Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Tri-State Veterinary Clinic & Equine Center

1532 W. Drake Rd.

Kendallville, IN 46755 US

260-347-5777

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
  • Emergency
  • Services
    • Small & Exotic Animal Services
    • Equine Services
  • Contact Us
  • Submit A Testimonial
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
    • We Help Your Pet With
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Birds
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Fun with Pets
      • Equine
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Behavior & Training
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
    • Feline
  • My VetStore
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Cats >
  • Lilies are Dangerous to Cats

Lilies are Dangerous to Cats

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Cats
image of a cat.

A significant source of toxicity for cats that is unknown to many people are lilies. These flowers are beautiful, available in a variety of colors, and common in cut flower arrangements. They are also easy to grow and are found in many gardens. But, they can be very dangerous for cats. The Animal Poison Control Center operated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that the number of feline lily toxicity cases has been increasing every year. Cats actually seem to be attracted to lilies and will sometimes seek them out and ignore other non-toxic plants.

All true lilies belonging to the Lilium and Hemerocallis (day lilies) species are toxic. This includes tiger lilies, Stargazers, and Easter lilies. All parts of the plant, including the stems, leaves, petals, and stamens are toxic. Even the pollen is toxic. Outdoor cats walking through the plants or rubbing up against the flowers may get pollen in their coats. Later they can ingest the pollen when they groom their fur. The toxic chemical in the plant has not been determined and dogs are not affected.

Lilies cause kidney damage in cats. Even what may seem like a small exposure such as biting a leaf can cause a cat to die from kidney failure. Usually cats vomit after exposure and develop acute kidney failure within 24 to 72 hours. This phase causes more vomiting, depression, dehydration, and a lack of appetite. There is a "golden window" of opportunity of 18 hours for treating lily toxicosis. That is, most cats treated within 18 hours survive if treated aggressively with hospitalization with intravenous fluids, oral activated charcoal to bind the toxin, and sometimes cathartics.

Therefore, even if the exposure is not certain, but is a possibility, it is best if the cat is examined by a veterinarian immediately. Changes in blood tests for the kidneys (BUN, creatinine, and phosphorus) can be seen as early as 12 hours after ingestion. If it is longer than 18 hours since the cat was exposed, treatment is still performed as there is yet a chance the kidney tubules can compensate.

What can you do to avoid lily toxicity in cats? Don't plant lilies in your garden if your cats go outdoors, or better yet, don't allow your cats to go outside. When you order flowers from a florist for yourself or a friend who has cats, tell them not to include lilies. If you buy a flower arrangement from a grocery or other store, inspect it carefully for any flower that looks like a lily. In spite of all this, if your cat is exposed to a lily, take the kitty to your veterinarian right away!

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

Sign up using the form below or call 260-347-5777 to make an appointment.

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I can't thank the staff enough for the excellent service provided to my Kenzie and for the doctor meeting us in the middle of the night to help her during a midnight emergency! He was so kind and now my hairy child is feeling great and doing wonderful! Thank you!"
    Sasha G. Kendallville, IN

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Preparing For Pet Dental Month

    Not sure if your pet needs a dental exam? These 10 reasons may help you make a decision. ...

    Read More
  • How To Care For Your New Pet

    Wondering how to care for your new pet? Check out our recommendations! ...

    Read More
  • Does My Cat Love Me?

    Not sure how your cat feels about you? Learn how your pet shows affection. ...

    Read More
  • Medication Tips For Your Pet

    Do you have trouble giving your pets their medications? These tips may help. ...

    Read More
  • What Vaccines Are Right For Your Pet?

    Wondering which vaccines your pet needs? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Is My Dog Fat Or Is It A Thyroid Problem?

    Wondering why your dog is packing on the pounds? A thyroid problem may be responsible for the weight gain. ...

    Read More
  • Hot Spots and Pets: What You Can Do to Help Your Furry Friend

    Does your pet frequently develop hot spots? Find out how to prevent and treat the painful spots. ...

    Read More
  • Managing Your Pet's Arthritis

    Painful arthritis makes walking and jumping difficult for pets. Luckily, you can do a few things to relieve your pet's pain. ...

    Read More
  • Best Pet Costumes

    Are you thinking about buying a Halloween costume for your pet? These guidelines will help you choose the ideal disguise for your furry friend. ...

    Read More
  • Why A Vet Is Your Best Defense During A Zombie Apocalypse

    Could your veterinarian help you survive a zombie apocalypse? ...

    Read More

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map