Lilies show up everywhere in spring, from grocery store bouquets to holiday centerpieces and garden borders. For dog owners, they are generally a lower concern than some other plants. But many dog households also include a cat, and for cats, certain lilies are among the most dangerous plants there are. If your home has both, it is worth understanding the difference.
Which lilies are the concern
The lilies of greatest concern for cats are true lilies, in the genus Lilium, and daylilies, in the genus Hemerocallis. This group includes Easter lilies, tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, stargazer lilies and many hybrids. For cats, every part of these plants is considered toxic, including the petals, leaves, stem, pollen and even the water in the vase. Exposure to a very small amount can cause serious kidney injury.
A cat does not have to eat a whole flower. Brushing against the pollen and then grooming it from the fur can be enough to cause harm. That is why veterinary organizations generally recommend keeping these lilies out of homes with cats entirely.
What about dogs?
True lilies and daylilies are not known to cause the same kidney damage in dogs. A dog that eats parts of these lilies may still have stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Some other plants with “lily” in their common name are a different story. Lily of the valley, for example, is not a true lily and contains compounds that can affect the heart in dogs as well as cats. Because common names can be confusing, it is always best to identify the plant and call your veterinarian if your dog eats one.
Making spring flowers safer at home
- If you have a cat, choose bouquets without true lilies or daylilies, and ask florists to leave them out.
- Check gift arrangements and remove any lilies before they come inside.
- Do not plant true lilies or daylilies in yards where cats roam.
- Keep all flower arrangements out of reach of pets, since vase water and other flowers can also cause problems.
- Look up unfamiliar plants on the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant list at aspca.org.
If you think a pet has been exposed
For cats, lily exposure is an emergency. Signs can include vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, lethargy and changes in urination, but treatment works best when it starts early, often before signs appear. If you think your cat may have chewed a lily, licked pollen or drunk vase water, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.
For dogs, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service if your dog eats any plant you are unsure about. Bring a photo or sample so the plant can be identified. Sharing this information with friends and family who have cats can make a real difference, too. Many people simply do not know about the risk.
