Does Your Cat Have Lily Poisoning? Symptoms and What to Do

Of all the flowers and plants we keep in our homes and gardens, lilies are arguably one of the most dangerous for our pet cats. Contact with even small amounts can lead to irreparable and life-threatening kidney failure.

When it comes to lily poisoning, identifying exposure and accessing vet care urgently is the key to a good prognosis.

What Are the Signs of Lily Poisoning in Cats?

Signs can be subtle, especially in the early stages.

Early Symptoms Within Hours of Exposure

Initially, you may notice that your cat has an upset stomach and that they are nauseous, resulting in drooling, vomiting and a reduced appetite. You may also find they are lethargic and off their food.

Signs of Kidney Failure as Poisoning Progresses

Over the next couple of days, more serious signs begin. This can include a change in thirst and urination levels as well as weakness. As time passes, your cat may stop producing urine altogether and can develop tremors and seizures.

Why Are Lilies So Dangerous to Cats?

Lilies contain a toxin which is highly potent to cats, causing kidney failure, even in small amounts.

True Lilies, Daylilies and Other High Risk Species

Not all lilies are created equal. While some may only cause mild symptoms, true lilies have the potential to kill a cat. True lilies pose the highest risk and include:

• Easter
  
• Asiatic
  
• Oriental
  
• Tiger
  
• Stargazer
  
• Daylily

Other lilies, such as the Peace Lily and Calla lily cause symptoms such as oral irritation and vomiting. Thankfully, they do not cause kidney failure.

How Cats Are Exposed to Lily Toxins

Most cats are exposed when an owner has lilies within the home. They may nibble on a petal or a leaf, or consume the water from the vase. For some cats, there is ingestion of the bright yellow pollen while grooming.

How Quickly Does Lily Poisoning Affect Cats?

Although the more serious signs may not show up for a few days, the toxicity starts occurring very early on after exposure.

Why Every Hour Without Treatment Matters

Lily toxins are rapidly absorbed by the body and start to cause damage to the kidneys within hours. The sooner therapy begins, the smaller chance of kidney damage and the greater the odds of a full return to health.

When to Call an Emergency Vet

Please contact an emergency vet if there is any chance at all that your cat has had contact with a lily.

How Is Lily Poisoning in Cats Diagnosed?

Your vet will want to know about the type of exposure, as well as the variety of lily involved. If unsure, bring along a cutting of the lily, or a photo.

Blood and Urine Tests for Kidney Function

Your vet can assess kidney function, although test results may not show up as normal until day two or three after the lily poisoning.

The veterinary clinic will check the urea, creatinine and SDMA levels, as well as your cat’s electrolytes. They will also want to know how concentrated your cat's urine is. Your vet can then continue to perform blood and urine tests to monitor recovery.

How Is Lily Poisoning in Cats Treated?

Your veterinarian will want to start therapy immediately.

Decontamination and Inducing Vomiting

When exposure has been recent, the decontamination process can prevent kidney damage from occurring. This can mean washing pollen off fur with warm water and cat shampoo, inducing vomiting and providing activated charcoal.

IV Fluids and Supportive Care

In the clinic, your cat will be started on an intravenous fluid drip. This helps preserve kidney function while the toxin is cleared.

Other supportive care includes the provision of anti-nausea medicine, antacids and assisted feeding.

Dialysis for Severe Kidney Damage

For some pets, their kidneys will be very damaged and they may need to be referred to a specialist hospital to start dialysis. The aim is to try and support the body until the kidneys start working again. However, this is a costly and not widely available treatment option.

Can Lily Poisoning in Cats Be Prevented?

Given the seriousness of this toxicity, prevention is far better than cure.

Keeping Lilies Out of the Home and Garden

If you own cats or know of any that come into your garden, try to avoid any lilies. If you receive them as a gift, don’t be embarrassed to decline them politely.

Choosing Cat Safe Flowers and Plants

Safe flower choices include roses, orchids, pansies, and sunflowers. It is sensible to read reputable sources (such as the ASPCA directory) to learn if a plant is toxic or not.

Other toxic plants include carnations, daffodils, and primroses.

Knowing the Signs Before an Emergency Happens

If your cat has been in a room with lilies in it or has potentially touched lilies while outside, contact your vet. Do not wait until symptoms become apparent, as by then it may be too late.

Get Veterinary Advice for Your Cat

Contact us at any time if you have any concerns about your cat and lilies. Our friendly team can help advise whether or not your furry friend needs to see a veterinarian.

Lily Poisoning Cats: FAQs

How much lily does a cat have to eat to be poisoned?

Even tiny quantities of lily have the potential to be toxic. All parts of the plant are poisonous including the petals, leaves, pollen and bulbs.

Is lily poisoning in cats always fatal?

No, not every exposure results in death. With prompt intervention, the prognosis is good to excellent.

Can a cat be poisoned just from lily pollen or water?

Absolutely, pollen falling on the fur and a cat drinking water from the vase are two common ways in which lily poisoning occurs.

Is there an antidote for lily poisoning in cats?

There is no specific antidote for lily poisoning. However, prompt therapy with decontamination and supportive care offers your cat the best chance of pulling through.

What are some top tips when it comes to cats and lilies?

The best tip is to treat lilies with the respect they deserve and to never have them near your cat. Should an exposure occur, you are working against the click and need to seek veterinary care right away.