Are Lilies Toxic to Cats? What to Do If Your Cat Is Exposed
Understand which lilies are dangerous to cats, how even small exposures can lead to serious illness, and what immediate steps to take if your cat may have had contact with a lily plant.
Quick Answer
Yes, true lilies (Lilium species) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are highly toxic to cats and can cause acute kidney injury. All parts of the plant are dangerous, including the petals, leaves, stems, and pollen. Even small exposures such as licking pollen off fur or drinking vase water can be serious. If your cat may have been exposed, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately, even if no symptoms are visible.
Before using any tool, contact a veterinary professional if your cat may have been exposed to lilies.
- US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
- UK: Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) or your nearest veterinary emergency clinic
- Canada: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
- AU: Animal Emergency Centre or your regular vet
- EU: Contact your nearest veterinary emergency service
TOXICITY CHECKER
Check the item and pet details for general, species-aware risk information while you contact a veterinary professional when needed.
Do not delay emergency veterinary or poison-control advice to use this tool.
Safety Verdict
Toxic. True lilies in the genus Lilium and daylilies in the genus Hemerocallis are highly toxic to cats. All parts of these plants -- petals, leaves, stems, flowers, and pollen -- contain substances that can cause acute kidney injury in cats. The toxic principle is not fully identified, but the risk is well established in veterinary medicine.
It is important to distinguish these from plants that are sometimes called lilies but belong to different families. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) and calla lilies (Zantedeschia) contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth and throat irritation in cats but are not associated with kidney failure. However, any plant ingestion should still be discussed with a veterinarian.
What Should the Owner Do Now?
- Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately. Lily toxicity in cats is a medical emergency, and early treatment significantly improves outcomes.
- Remove your cat from the area where the lily is located to prevent further exposure. Wipe any visible pollen off your cat's fur using a damp cloth, being careful not to spread it further. Wash your cat if advised by a veterinarian.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional directly instructs you to do so.
- Do not give food, milk, charcoal, or any home remedy. These are not effective treatments for lily toxicity and may complicate veterinary care.
- Bring the plant or a photograph if possible, so the veterinary team can confirm the species.
- Follow all veterinary instructions, which may include bringing your cat in for immediate examination, blood tests, intravenous fluid therapy, and monitoring.
Even if your cat only appears to have had minimal contact -- such as brushing against a lily and grooming pollen from its coat -- professional evaluation is essential.
What Signs May Occur?
Signs of lily poisoning in cats typically begin within 6 to 12 hours of exposure, though some cats may develop symptoms sooner. The progression generally follows two phases.
Early signs (within 6 to 12 hours):
- Vomiting (may be the first and most noticeable sign)
- Drooling or excessive salivation
- Lethargy or reduced activity
- Loss of appetite
- Pawing at the mouth (if oral irritation is present)
Signs of kidney injury (within 12 to 72 hours if untreated):
- Increased thirst and drinking
- Increased or, in advanced cases, decreased urine output
- Weakness, depression, or reluctance to move
- Dehydration
- Hiding or unusual behavior
In severe cases, acute kidney injury can progress to kidney failure, which is life-threatening. This progression underscores the importance of veterinary care as soon as exposure is suspected, even before signs appear.
What Information Should Be Ready?
Having the following details available when you contact a veterinary professional can help with faster assessment:
- Cat's details: age, approximate body weight, and any known health conditions
- Type of lily: the common name or, ideally, the plant itself or a clear photograph for identification
- Nature of exposure: did the cat chew leaves or petals, lick pollen, drink water from the vase, or simply have unknown contact?
- Estimated time: when the exposure likely occurred or was discovered
- Current symptoms: any vomiting, drooling, lethargy, changes in drinking or urination
- Other plants in the home: in case multiple species are present
- Medical history: any pre-existing kidney disease or current medications
If the exact type of lily is unknown, describe the flower's appearance or bring a photo. The veterinary team can help determine whether the plant belongs to the highly toxic Lilium or Hemerocallis groups.
Which Lilies Are Toxic to Cats?
Not all plants commonly called "lilies" carry the same level of risk. The following are known to be highly toxic and can cause acute kidney injury in cats:
| Highly Toxic (Kidney Risk) | Less Hazardous (Irritation Only) |
|---|---|
| Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) | Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) |
| Tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium) | Calla lily (Zantedeschia) |
| Asiatic lily (Lilium hybrids) | Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria) |
| Oriental lily (Lilium hybrids) | Lily of the Valley (Convallaria) |
| Daylily (Hemerocallis) | Canna lily (Canna) |
| Stargazer lily (Lilium hybrid) | |
| Japanese show lily (Lilium speciosum) |
Peace lilies and calla lilies can cause drooling, mouth irritation, and vomiting due to calcium oxalate crystals, but they do not cause the acute kidney injury associated with true lilies. Lily of the Valley contains cardiac glycosides, which affect the heart rather than the kidneys. Peruvian lilies and canna lilies are generally considered low risk for cats.
If you are unsure which type of lily is in your home, treat it as potentially toxic and seek professional guidance.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately if your cat may have had any contact with a true lily or daylily. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
Emergency signs that require urgent veterinary attention include:
- Repeated vomiting
- Lethargy, weakness, or hiding
- Increased thirst or changes in urination
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Refusal to eat or drink
Non-urgent follow-up: If exposure may have occurred hours or days ago and your cat appears normal, veterinary examination and blood work are still strongly recommended. Kidney damage can be present without outward signs.
FAQ
Can a cat get sick just from licking lily pollen?
Yes. Licking lily pollen off the coat, grooming after contact with the plant, or drinking water from a vase containing lilies can be sufficient to cause toxicity in cats. All parts of true lilies are hazardous, and the amount needed to harm a cat can be very small.
Are peace lilies toxic to cats in the same way?
No. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) belong to a different plant family and contain calcium oxalate crystals. If chewed, they can cause mouth and throat irritation, drooling, and vomiting, but they are not associated with the acute kidney injury that true lilies (Lilium species) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) cause. However, any plant ingestion should still be discussed with a veterinarian.
How quickly do lily poisoning symptoms appear in cats?
Signs of lily poisoning typically develop within 6 to 12 hours of exposure. Vomiting, drooling, and lethargy are often the first noticeable symptoms. If untreated, kidney injury signs may follow within 12 to 72 hours. Because the window for effective treatment is limited, veterinary care should be sought as soon as exposure is discovered.
TOXICITY CHECKER
Concerned about another plant, flower, or household item around your cat? Get general, species-aware safety information to help you decide your next step.
This tool provides general safety information only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "Lily Toxicity in Cats," https://www.aspca.org
- Cornell Feline Health Center, "Lily Toxicity," https://www.vet.cornell.edu
- Merck Veterinary Manual, "Lily Toxicosis," https://www.merckvetmanual.com
- Pet Poison Helpline, "Lilies," https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com
Disclaimer
This article and the PawAI Toxicity Checker provide general safety information and cannot determine an individual pet's toxicity risk or replace a veterinarian or animal poison-control service. If exposure may have occurred, contact an appropriate professional promptly, even if your pet appears well.