Are Peace Lilies Toxic to Cats? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, peace lilies are mildly toxic to cats

Despite the name, peace lilies are not true lilies and do not cause kidney failure. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mouth pain, so most pets stop after one bite.

Peace Lilies and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Spathiphyllum spp.
Also called	Mauna Loa, white sails
Toxic compound	Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
Toxic parts	Leaves, stems and flowers
Signs usually start	Immediate (within minutes of chewing)
Plant type	Houseplant

Symptoms of peace lilies poisoning in cats

Pawing at the mouth
Drooling and foaming
Mouth and lip swelling
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing

Why peace lilies are toxic to cats

The plant cells contain bundles of needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals (raphides). When a pet bites into the leaf, the crystals are ejected and embed in the mouth, tongue and throat, causing immediate burning pain, drooling and swelling. The crystals are not absorbed into the body, so organ damage is not expected.

What to do if your cat ate peace 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 your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
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 pawing at the mouth, drooling and foaming, mouth and lip swelling. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

Most cases need only supportive care. Gently rinse your pet's mouth with water and offer water to drink. A vet may give pain relief, anti-nausea medicine or an antihistamine for swelling. Go to a vet right away if you see swelling of the throat or any trouble breathing.

How to keep your cat away from peace lilies

Place peace 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.

Pet-safe alternatives to peace lilies

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

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Peace Lilies and cats: FAQ

Are peace lilies poisonous to cats?

Peace Lilies are mildly toxic to cats. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can cause pawing at the mouth and drooling and foaming, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of peace lilies is toxic to cats?

Leaves, stems and flowers.

Can cats die from eating peace lilies?

It is very unlikely. Peace Lilies usually cause mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

How long after eating peace lilies will my cat show symptoms?

Immediate (within minutes of chewing).

Are peace lilies toxic to dogs too?

Yes, peace lilies are mildly toxic to dogs.

Do peace lilies cause kidney failure in cats?

No. Peace lilies are not true lilies. They cause mouth irritation and drooling, not the kidney failure caused by Lilium and daylilies.

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 Peace Lilies Toxic to Cats?