Lilies and the Threat to Your Cat’s Life

Ah, The Bewitching Beauty of Lilies

Everyone knows and loves lilies. The official Latin name of this group of plants is Lilium. It includes dozens of types of lilies, all of which have captivating floral displays.

Lilies are so beautiful that they have inspired phrases such as "to gild the lily", meaning to decorate something that is pleasing in its original state.

It's no wonder they're often a popular choice at garden supplies stores - where they are sold as bulbs - and florists' shops, where they are sold in full bloom, on their own or as part of glamorous flower arrangements.

Unseen Danger: Lilies and the Threat to Your Cat's Life

Lilies carry a deadly secret for our feline friends. These beautiful blossoms are extremely toxic to cats. Even a nibble on any part of the plant, small as it may be, could spell disaster.

Busting the Myths: Truths about Cats and Lilies

Despite the widespread knowledge of lily toxicity in cats, myths persist.

One common misconception is that only certain parts of the lily plant are toxic. This is false. Each piece of a lily, from its roots to its pollen, is a potential health hazard for a cat.

Another myth? The idea is that a cat must eat a large amount of lily to fall sick. Not true. In reality, even a tiny amount - a single petal, a lick of pollen - can set off fatal kidney damage in cats.

In the world of cats and lilies, there's no room for half-truths. Understanding these facts could mean the difference between life and death for your beloved pet.

Unraveling the Mystery: Why are Lilies Deadly for Cats?

The danger lilies pose to cats lies in the toxic compounds they contain. These compounds, found in every part of the lily - from the petals to the pollen - are highly harmful to cats.

Once ingested, they quickly enter the cat's bloodstream and head straight to the kidneys. Here, they wreak havoc, causing rapid and often irreversible damage.

The precise nature of these toxic substances is still under investigation, but what is clear is their devastating effect on feline health.

Decoding Lily Poisoning: The Red Flags

Lilies are nephrotoxic, meaning they pack a punch to the kidneys. Here's the grim picture: your cat nibbles on some lily - petals, leaves, even pollen. Those toxins go straight to work, wreaking havoc on the kidneys.

How does it play out? Initial signs may include vomiting and drooling soon after the fateful nibble. Within a day, kidney failure signs emerge. Excessive urination. Dehydration. Decreased urine amounts. More vomiting. Lethargy.

The outlook isn't good. Unless treated within hours, a cat may succumb to this poison within 3-6 days.

Emergency Response: When Your Cat Crosses Paths with a Lily

The moment you suspect your cat has nibbled on a lily, ring up your vet. There's no time to waste - this is a red-alert medical emergency. If your vet is not available, dial the nearest emergency clinic without delay.

Don't hesitate to fill them in on the situation and ask for advice. Your vet might tell you to induce vomiting, a vital first step.

The next step is getting your cat to the clinic immediately for treatment. Procrastination here can lead to a painful demise for your feline friend.

Read more here: What To Do If You Think Your Cat Ingested Poison

Lilies: A Silent Assassin in Disguise

Are all lilies a threat to your cat? The answer is yes and no. Plenty of flowers known as lilies don't truly belong to the Lilium genus. Only "true lilies" from the Lilium genus pose the greatest risk to cats.

For instance, the Calla Lily falls under the genus Calla, not a real lily. Similarly, Water lilies belong to the Nymphaeaceae family, not Lilium.

Sounds complicated? If you're not a botanist, simply keep any plant named "lily" away from your cat. While other plants may not be as deadly as true lilies, they can still make your cat sick. Better safe than sorry.

Some common lilies include Easter, Tiger, Day (Hemerocallis), Asiatic, Stargazer, and Japanese show lilies.

SIGN UP FOR THECATSITE'S EMAIL UPDATES >

A Lily-Free Haven: Protecting Your Cat

Want to keep your cat safe? The rule of thumb is simple. Keep your home a lily-free zone.

Don't try to differentiate between lily varieties. If it's a lily, it doesn't belong in your house. Here's how to keep your home lily-free:

• Spread the word. Let people know you're avoiding lilies at home. They'll hopefully remember when they send you flowers.
• Make it a point to ask your regular florist to note on your card that you don't want lilies in any arrangement.
• Sending flowers? Ensure there are no lilies in the arrangement to protect their cats too.

Thinking your cat is safe because they don't munch on houseplants? Beware. Some cats chew on plants only when they're sick. Even without chewing, pollen falling off a lily can land on your cat's coat. The next grooming session ensures ingestion of lily poison.

Having lilies around your home is simply not safe. Ever. If you have any, today is the day for you to put on a pair of gloves and get rid of them.

There are other safe plant alternatives, and if you absolutely need them as part of your home decor, opt for these safe and toxin-free silk lilies.

Please Help Spread The Word.

Note: We may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page.