Is Lily of the Valley Toxic to Cats? Yes, Highly: Emergency Signs

Highly toxic

Yes, lily of the valley is highly toxic to cats

Lily of the valley is not a true lily, but it is dangerous for both cats and dogs. It contains cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin) that affect heart rhythm.

If your cat ate or touched lily of the valley: 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.

Lily of the Valley and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Highly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Highly toxic
Scientific name	Convallaria majalis
Toxic compound	Cardiac glycosides
Toxic parts	All parts, including the flowers and vase water
Signs usually start	Usually within a few hours
Plant type	Garden plant

Symptoms of lily of the valley poisoning in cats

Vomiting
Very slow or irregular heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Disorientation
Seizures
Collapse and death

Why lily of the valley is toxic to cats

Cardiac glycosides work like an overdose of the heart drug digoxin. They block a pump that heart cells need to control their rhythm, which can cause a dangerously slow or irregular heartbeat, high blood potassium and sudden collapse. The toxin is present in every part of the plant and in water the plant has stood in.

What to do if your cat ate lily of the valley

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, very slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure. Do not wait for these signs before getting help.

Treatment and outlook

This is an emergency. Vets decontaminate (vomiting and activated charcoal, often repeated), give IV fluids, monitor the heart with an ECG, and treat arrhythmias. Digoxin-specific antibody fragments are used in severe cases.

How to keep your cat away from lily of the valley

Place lily of the valley 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 lily of the valley

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

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Lily of the Valley and cats: FAQ

Is lily of the valley poisonous to cats?

Lily of the Valley is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. If your cat ate any part of this plant, treat it as an emergency.

What part of lily of the valley is toxic to cats?

All parts, including the flowers and vase water.

Can cats die from eating lily of the valley?

Yes. Lily of the Valley can be fatal to cats, which is why any exposure needs emergency veterinary care.

How long after eating lily of the valley will my cat show symptoms?

Usually within a few hours.

Is lily of the valley toxic to dogs too?

Yes, lily of the valley is highly toxic to dogs.

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.

Is Lily of the Valley Toxic to Cats?