What are the symptoms if a cat eats Peruvian Lily?

Stomach upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea), Minor signs of oral toxicity or irritation

⚠ Caution

Peruvian Lily

Q: Is Peruvian Lily toxic to cats?

Caution: potentially harmful. Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria spp.) is a common flower in bouquets that is only mildly irritating to cats. Because it has "lily" in its name, it often causes panic, but it is not a true lily and does not cause dangerous kidney failure like Easter or Tiger lilies do. The plant contains a chemical irritant called tulipalin A (and its precursor tuliposide A) throughout its tissues. If a cat chews on the leaves or stems, this compound can irritate the mouth and upset the stomach. The sap can also cause some redness or itching if it gets directly on the skin (the same compound behind "tulip fingers" in florists). Most cats will only experience minor drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea that goes away on its own. While it is safer than many other plants, it is best to keep bouquets out of reach. Contact a veterinarian if your cat eats a large amount or if their stomach upset does not improve.

Alstroemeria spp.

Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria spp.) is a common flower in bouquets that is only mildly irritating to cats. Because it has "lily" in its name, it often causes panic, but it is not a true lily and does not cause dangerous kidney failure like Easter or Tiger lilies do. The plant contains a chemical irritant called tulipalin A (and its precursor tuliposide A) throughout its tissues. If a cat chews on the leaves or stems, this compound can irritate the mouth and upset the stomach. The sap can also cause some redness or itching if it gets directly on the skin (the same compound behind "tulip fingers" in florists). Most cats will only experience minor drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea that goes away on its own. While it is safer than many other plants, it is best to keep bouquets out of reach. Contact a veterinarian if your cat eats a large amount or if their stomach upset does not improve.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: tulipalin A and its precursor tuliposide A (an irritant glycoside) throughout the plant; not related to the nephrotoxic compounds in true Lilium species

Mechanism: GI irritant; sap contact causes dermatitis through direct tissue irritation

Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling; skin or eye contact with sap may cause redness and irritation

No kidney failure risk — a critical difference from Easter and Tiger lilies

Symptoms are mild and self-limiting; contact your vet if ingestion was significant or symptoms persist

Potentially Toxic Parts

All parts of the plant

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Stomach upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea)

Gastrointestinal

Minor signs of oral toxicity or irritation

Gastrointestinal · Immediate to shortly after chewing the plant.

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.