Are Calla Lilies Poisonous To Cats And Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Other types of plants that are commonly mistaken for but do not belong to the true lily or day lily families such as the Peruvian lily, peace lily, and calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica),

can all be toxic to both dogs and cats

.

What happens if a dog eats a calla lily?

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. Ingestion of lilies can cause

gastrointestinal upset, depression, anorexia and tremors

.

Will cats eat calla lilies?

Yes. According to the ASPCA,

are toxic to cats

because they contain insoluble calcium oxalates. Besides calla lilies, you will find insoluble calcium oxalates in the peace lily, arrowhead, philodendron, Chinese evergreen, golden pothos, umbrella plant, and many others.

Why do cats eat calla lilies?

Causes of Calla Poisoning in Cats


Calla lilies contain toxic compounds known as insoluble calcium oxalates

. These crystals are released when your cat bites into any portion of the calla lily plant.

What part of calla lily is poisonous to dogs?

The calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is not a member of the Lilium family — it technically is not a true lily. With their

spade-shaped, cupped funnel single flowers

, they are mildly to moderately toxic to dogs but, unlike other lily species, they do not result in acute kidney failure.

Is calla lily plant poisonous?

Why Are Calla Lilies Toxic?

Calla lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that are similar to other plants in the Araceae family

. When eaten, these crystals cause pain, difficulty swallowing, temporary hoarseness and swelling.

How much lily is toxic to cats?

Threat: Just

2-3 leaves

, or even the pollen groomed off the fur, can result in poisoning in a cat. If untreated, acute kidney failure will develop and be fatal.

Are calla lily poisonous to animals?

Poisoning Symptoms


If ingested by a cat, calla lilies are toxic

because all parts of the plants contain chemicals called insoluble calcium oxalates, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' website. The plants' bulbs contain the highest concentration of these toxic crystals.

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.

Can cats be in the same room as lilies?

While their flowers are lovely to see and smell, lilies pose a significant safety threat for your cat.

Lilies in the “true lily” and “daylily” families are very dangerous for cats

. The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase.

What animal eats calla lilies?

What's Eating My Lily Flowers?

Squirrels, chipmunks and voles

all love to dig up and nibble on crunchy lily bulbs. Deer, rabbits and gophers usually prefer to munch on new, tender foliage. The best way to keep your plants from becoming a critter's lunch is to block animals from reaching them.

How do vets treat lily poisoning in cats?

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.

Will my cat survive lily poisoning?


Cats who are treated within 18 hours of exposure to a toxic lily generally recover

. However, in cases where treatment is delayed, the prognosis is generally poor and most cats are euthanized.

What happens if a cat smells a lily?

Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, causing

kidney failure

.

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.