What are the symptoms if a cat eats Daylily?

Vomiting, Acute Kidney Failure, Lethargy

Toxic Is Daylily toxic to cats?

Daylily

Q: Is Daylily toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are among the most dangerous plants for cats and should be treated with extreme caution. Although they are not “true lilies” in botanical classification, they can cause the same severe kidney toxicity seen with Easter lilies and tiger lilies. Any suspected exposure should be treated as a veterinary emergency. The exact toxic compound in daylilies has not been fully identified, but they are known to cause serious kidney damage in cats. Cats are highly sensitive to this type of plant, and even a small exposure may lead to acute kidney failure. The risk is not limited to eating the flowers or leaves. Pollen that gets on a cat’s fur and is later licked off, or water from a vase containing daylilies, may also be dangerous. After exposure to daylily, a cat may first show vomiting, loss of appetite, low energy, or drooling. Later, abnormal drinking or urination, weakness, and acute kidney failure may develop. The flowers, leaves, stems, pollen, and vase water should all be kept completely away from cats. Homes with cats should not keep or grow daylilies. If you suspect your cat has eaten any part of the plant, licked pollen, or drunk vase water, contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately—do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Hemerocallis spp.

Yes. Keep it out of reach.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are among the most dangerous plants for cats and should be treated with extreme caution.

LeafFlowerStemPollen

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1
Acute Kidney Failure 12-36 hours · Oliguria/Anuria indicates irreversible damage.
2
Vomiting Rapid · Early sign (1-3 hours); may subside temporarily.
3
Lethargy Rapid · Progressive weakness and depression.

Important notes

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are among the most dangerous plants for cats and should be treated with extreme caution. Although they are not “true lilies” in botanical classification, they can cause the same severe kidney toxicity seen with Easter lilies and tiger lilies. Any suspected exposure should be treated as a veterinary emergency. The exact toxic compound in daylilies has not been fully identified, but they are known to cause serious kidney damage in cats. Cats are highly sensitive to this type of plant, and even a small exposure may lead to acute kidney failure. The risk is not limited to eating the flowers or leaves. Pollen that gets on a cat’s fur and is later licked off, or water from a vase containing daylilies, may also be dangerous. After exposure to daylily, a cat may first show vomiting, loss of appetite, low energy, or drooling. Later, abnormal drinking or urination, weakness, and acute kidney failure may develop. The flowers, leaves, stems, pollen, and vase water should all be kept completely away from cats. Homes with cats should not keep or grow daylilies. If you suspect your cat has eaten any part of the plant, licked pollen, or drunk vase water, contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately—do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Toxic compounds: unknown nephrotoxic substance unique to Hemerocallis; not toxic to dogs or humans
Mechanism: acute tubular necrosis — rapid, irreversible destruction of kidney tissue
Even small exposures are dangerous: a few petals, licking pollen off fur, or drinking vase water can be lethal
Time is critical. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen

Sources Reviewed · Entry ID hemerocallis_spp

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