GARDEN LILIES HAZARDOUS FOR CATS

Springtime lilies may brighten the garden and centerpiece bouquets, but they can mean disaster for pet kitty-cats, according to Jill A. Richardson, DVM,  Veterinary Poison Information Specialist with the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center.  According to Michigan State University Extension's Grower Guide, Easter lilies are the third most important flowering pot-plant grown in the United States, with 10 to 11 million plants produced annually. Unfortunately, several types of lilies can be deadly to cats. Easter lily, tiger lily, rubrum lily, Japanese show lily, some species of day lily, and certain other members of the Liliaceae family can cause kidney failure in cats.  

“Within only a few hours of ingestion of the lily plant material, the cat may vomit, become lethargic, or develop a lack of appetite. These signs continue and worsen as kidney damage progresses. Without prompt and proper treatment by a veterinarian, the cat may develop kidney failure in approximately 36-72 hours,” according to Dr. Richardson.  “All parts of the lily plant are considered toxic to cats and consuming even small amounts can cause severe poisoning. Cat owners should be aware of the dangers of lily ingestion and remove them from their cat's access.”

Lilies that have been shown to cause kidney failure in cats include: