Which lilies are dangerous
The deadly ones are true lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis). That includes Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic and Oriental lilies, stargazer, Japanese show lily, wood lily and daylilies. Every part is toxic: petals, leaves, stems, pollen and the water in the vase.
Some plants called "lily" are different. Peace lily and calla lily cause mouth irritation and drooling but not kidney failure. Lily of the valley affects the heart and is also dangerous. If you're not sure what the plant is, treat it as a true lily.
Signs
- 0 to 12 hours: vomiting, drooling, hiding, not eating
- 12 to 24 hours: often seems to improve, which fools owners
- 24 to 72 hours: peeing more, then little or none, dehydration, weakness, kidney failure
What to do
Go to a vet straight away if you think your cat touched a lily. Don't wait for signs. Bring the plant or a photo. Treatment usually means making the cat vomit, activated charcoal and at least 48 hours of IV fluids, with kidney blood tests. When this starts within about 18 hours, the outlook is good. After the kidneys stop producing urine, the chances drop sharply.
Prevention
The only reliable rule is no true lilies or daylilies in a home with cats, including bouquets. Ask florists to swap them out, and tell visitors. More dangers for cats in foods and plants toxic to cats.
Frequently asked questions
Are lilies toxic to dogs?
True lilies don’t cause kidney failure in dogs. They may cause a mild stomach upset. Lily of the valley, though, is dangerous to both.
Is a little pollen really enough?
Yes. Cases have been reported after cats groomed pollen off their coat. There is no known safe amount.