To cats, yes, and seriously. True lilies can cause fatal kidney failure in cats, even from licking pollen off their fur or drinking the vase water. Dogs usually get no more than a mild stomach upset.
True lilies (Lilium), such as Easter, stargazer, tiger and Asiatic lilies, and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are among the most dangerous plants for cats. Every part is toxic, and the ASPCA warns that small amounts can severely damage the kidneys. Not every plant called a lily is a true lily: peace lily and calla lily irritate the mouth instead, lily of the valley affects the heart, and Peruvian lily is non-toxic. If you have a cat, the safest choice is to keep true lilies out of the home.
In cats, vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite and lethargy start within a few hours and may seem to settle. Kidney failure then develops over one to three days: the cat drinks and urinates more at first, then little or not at all, and becomes weak and withdrawn. Dogs usually get no more than a mild stomach upset.
If your cat has chewed any part of the plant, licked the pollen or drunk the vase water, take it to a vet immediately, without waiting for symptoms. Treatment with IV fluids started early, ideally within 18 hours, usually prevents kidney damage. Wipe pollen off the fur and face so your cat can't lick more off, and bring a piece of the plant. A dog only needs a vet if vomiting persists.
Data sourced from public ASPCA lists. For general guidance only. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. · Privacy Policy