Are Easter Lilies Poisonous To Dogs And Cats?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The flower has become a holiday mainstay synonymous with Easter because it symbolizes purity and innocence. Despite its popularity, the Easter lily, also known as Lilium longiflorum, can be hazardous to pets. According to the ASPCA,

Easter are toxic to cat species, though they are not known to harm dogs

.

What happens if a cat eats an Easter lily?

Easter lilies are extremely poisonous to cats, and just 1-2 leaves (or even the pollen) can kill a cat!

Even small ingestions can result in severe kidney failure

. Sources of poisoning: Many plants of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species are very poisoning.

What part of Easter lilies are poisonous to cats?


The entire lily plant — leaf, flower, and pollen

— is poisonous to them. Even if they just lick a few pollen grains off their coats or eat a couple of leaves, cats can suffer acute kidney failure within a very short period of time.

What part of the Easter lily is poisonous to dogs?

“Unbeknownst to many pet owners, Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “All parts of the Easter lily plant are poisonous –

the petals, the leaves, the stem and even the pollen

.

How much lily is toxic to dogs?


Two or three lily leaves are enough to be hazardous to a cat and result in death

. Even a little lily pollen on a pet's fur has the potential to seriously harm them. Luckily for both small and big dogs breeds, just a little amount of less harmful lilies like daylilies might cause little to no harm.

Is it OK to have lilies in the house with a dog?


All parts of the lily plant are toxic to both dogs and cats

. That includes the pollen and stamens, the flower petals, sepals, leaves, stems, and bulbs.

How do you tell if your cat has been poisoned by lilies?

Early signs of lily toxicity in cats include

decreased activity level, drooling, vomiting, and loss of appetite

. These symptoms start 0 to 12 hours after ingestion. Signs of kidney damage start about 12 to 24 hours after ingestion and include increased urination and dehydration.

Can a cat survive after eating lilies?

Recovery of Lily Plant Poisoning in Cats


If lily consumption is noticed and treated quickly, the cat may survive

. If even one day goes by without treatment, the outcome becomes very dire, with most cats dying of kidney failure within days.

How do you treat lily poisoning in cats at home?


The cat may be given activated charcoal to bind any toxin remaining in the stomach

. Intravenous (IV) fluids may be initiated to support kidney function and to protect the kidneys from the circulating toxins. Urine output will be monitored. In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to keep a patient alive.

Can the smell of lilies harm cats?


Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, causing kidney failure

.

What happens if a cat smells a lily?

But the entire lily plant (leaf, pollen, and flower) is poisonous to them, according to Melanie McLean, a veterinarian at FDA. Even if they just eat a couple of leaves or lick a few pollen grains off their fur,

cats can suffer acute kidney failure within a very short period of time

.

How long does lily poisoning take cats?

The effects of lily toxicity are rapid. Within

1-3 hours

of ingestion, cats become nauseous leading to a decreased appetite, drooling and vomiting as well as display signs of depression and lethargy.

Can you plant Easter lilies in your yard?


Easter lilies can be replanted outside after the blooms are gone

. Plant the Easter lily outdoors as soon as the ground can be worked. Select a sunny site with well-drained soil. Set the top of the bulb six-inches below the soil surface.

Are outdoor lilies poisonous to dogs?

Lilies — While lilies are well-known as a serious danger to cats,

certain varieties are highly toxic to dogs as well

. The peace lily, calla lily, amaryllis, lily of the valley, autumn crocus and the common houseplant, giant Dracaena or palm lily, are all deemed dangerous to dogs by the ASPCA.

What lilies are not poisonous to dogs?

  • Easter lily.
  • Tiger lily.
  • Stargazer lily.
  • Peruvian lily.
  • Japanese show lily.
  • Oriental lily.
  • Rubrum lily.
  • Spider lily.

What if my cat eats lilies?

A cat who has licked or ingested any amount of the Lily plant needs

immediate veterinary care

. Prompt medical intervention can save the cat's life.

Can the smell of lilies affect dogs?


Exposure to the Lily of the Valley plant, however, is toxic to cats and dogs

(and people) and can cause cardiac arrythmias and death. Gloriosa Lily can cause multi-system failure in cats and dogs that chew on them.

How toxic are peace lilies to cats?

Peace lilies are

mildly poisonous

to cats, although the compounds they contain are fortunately not as toxic as those of true lilies. Even so, call your vet immediately! Your kitty is very uncomfortable, but she should survive the ordeal.

Are cats attracted to lilies?

Are cats attracted to lilies? Yes. While there are several hundred types of plants that are toxic to cats, most do not cause problems because

cats are simply not interested in them

. Lilies cause more problems because they are not only toxic, but also very attractive to cats.

How long does it take for a cat to show symptoms of poisoning?

Once a cat ingests or comes in contact with a toxin, symptoms may not show up right away. Some toxins may take

3 to 4 days

to show any effects.

What are the signs of kidney failure in cats?

  • Dehydration.
  • Excess thirst.
  • Weakness.
  • Weight loss.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Diarrhea (may contain blood)
  • Vomiting (may contain blood)
  • Depression.
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.