Toxicity to pets

The most dangerous and potentially life-threatening lily ingestions by cats involve lilies belonging to the genera Lilium (true lilies) and Hemerocallis. Examples of some of these toxic lilies include Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show, rubrum, stargazer, red, tiger, Western, and wood lilies (Lilium species) and daylilies (Hemerocallis species). Even small ingestions (such as less than 1-2 petals or leaves) – even the pollen or water from the vase – may result in severe, acute kidney failure.

If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of one of these lilies, bring your cat (and the plant) immediately to a veterinarian for medical care. Generally, the sooner treatment is started the better the prognosis.

For more information about lilies, including safer alternative flowers for homes with cats and educational materials, visit our No Lilies for Kitties page.

When in doubt, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® for potentially life-saving advice.