Not everyone who has a lily as a potted plant in their living room can sit back, relax and deeply inhale its scent. Cat owners should be careful and place the lily where it is out of reach of their four-legged friends.
Are lilies poisonous to cats?
Lilies are poisonous to cats because all parts of the plant, including pollen, are toxic. A small amount can cause kidney failure and death. Symptoms appear within 6 to 72 hours. If poisoning is suspected, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
Even a small dose is fatal
While people are rarely tempted to nibble on lilies, some cats are not averse to it. The pollen from the flowers could, for example, end up on the ground or on the fur of animals. The cats could lick them.
The following applies to cats:
- all parts of the plant (including pollen!) are toxic
- Death from kidney failure
- small amounts, even licking them can cause death
- Symptoms after 6 to 12 hours: vomiting, loss of appetite
- Symptoms after 24 hours: none
- Symptoms after 48 to 72 hours: kidney failure
Tips & Tricks
As soon as you notice that your cat has come into contact with a lily, you should consult a veterinarian. The poisoning is treatable.