Are Lilies Toxic to Cats? Yes, Highly: Emergency Signs

Highly toxic

Yes, lilies are highly toxic to cats

True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are among the most dangerous plants for cats. Eating two or three leaves, chewing a petal, or licking pollen off the fur can cause acute kidney failure. Dogs do not develop kidney failure from lilies, though eating the plant can upset their stomach.

If your cat ate or touched lilies: go to an emergency vet now or call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Do not wait for symptoms.

Lilies and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Highly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Non-toxic
Scientific name	Lilium spp. and Hemerocallis spp.
Also called	Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic lily, stargazer lily, daylily
Toxic compound	Unknown water-soluble nephrotoxin
Toxic parts	All parts: petals, leaves, stem, pollen and even the water in the vase
Signs usually start	Vomiting within hours; kidney failure within 24-72 hours
Plant type	Flower

What cat owners should know

Lily poisoning is a true emergency for cats. Survival is good when treatment starts within 6-18 hours and poor once the kidneys have failed. Many vets advise never keeping true lilies in a home with cats.

Symptoms of lilies poisoning in cats

Vomiting within 0-12 hours
Drooling and loss of appetite
Lethargy and hiding
Increased or decreased urination (12-24 hours)
Dehydration and acute kidney failure (24-72 hours)

Why lilies are toxic to cats

The exact toxin in true lilies and daylilies has not been identified, but it is water-soluble and attacks the cells lining the kidney tubules. Cats are uniquely sensitive: tiny exposures (a couple of leaves, a bitten petal, pollen groomed off the coat, or vase water) can cause acute kidney injury.

What to do if your cat ate lilies

Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately, even if your cat seems normal: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Signs can be delayed while damage is happening.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
Watch for vomiting within 0-12 hours, drooling and loss of appetite, lethargy and hiding. Do not wait for these signs before getting help.

Treatment and outlook

There is no antidote. Vets make the cat vomit (if ingestion was recent), give activated charcoal, and start aggressive IV fluids for at least 48 hours while monitoring kidney values. Treatment started within about 18 hours greatly improves survival; once the kidneys stop producing urine, dialysis may be the only option.

How to keep your cat away from lilies

Place lilies on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
In the garden, fence off beds, supervise cats that dig, and store bulbs in a closed container before planting.

Pet-safe alternatives to lilies

If you love flowers, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Lilies and cats: FAQ

Are lilies poisonous to cats?

Lilies are highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. If your cat ate any part of these plants, treat it as an emergency.

What part of lilies is toxic to cats?

All parts: petals, leaves, stem, pollen and even the water in the vase.

Can cats die from eating lilies?

Yes. Lilies can be fatal to cats, which is why any exposure needs emergency veterinary care.

How long after eating lilies will my cat show symptoms?

Vomiting within hours; kidney failure within 24-72 hours.

Are lilies toxic to dogs too?

No. Lilies are also non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Is lily pollen dangerous to cats?

Yes. Cats can be poisoned by grooming pollen off their fur. Wipe pollen off your cat with a damp cloth and call your vet right away.

Is the water in a lily vase toxic?

Yes. The toxin is water-soluble, so drinking vase water can poison a cat.

My cat ate a lily and nothing happened. Is it fine?

Not necessarily. Kidney damage can develop silently over 24-72 hours. Go to a vet immediately even if your cat seems normal; early IV fluids are what prevent kidney failure.

Other plants toxic to cats

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?