✕ Toxic

Lilies

Q: Is Lilies toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. True lilies, like Easter, Tiger, and Stargazer lilies, are some of the most deadly plants for cats. Every single part of the plant is poisonous, including the petals, leaves, stems, and even the pollen. Even drinking the water from a vase that held lilies can be fatal. The toxin in lilies causes rapid and permanent damage to a cat’s kidneys. Early signs include vomiting and acting very tired. Within one to three days, the kidneys may stop working entirely, which can lead to death if the cat does not get help right away. Lily poisoning is a major medical emergency. If you think your cat has touched or eaten any part of a lily, or licked pollen off its fur, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Take your cat to a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.

Lilium spp.

True lilies, like Easter, Tiger, and Stargazer lilies, are some of the most deadly plants for cats. Every single part of the plant is poisonous, including the petals, leaves, stems, and even the pollen. Even drinking the water from a vase that held lilies can be fatal. The toxin in lilies causes rapid and permanent damage to a cat’s kidneys. Early signs include vomiting and acting very tired. Within one to three days, the kidneys may stop working entirely, which can lead to death if the cat does not get help right away. Lily poisoning is a major medical emergency. If you think your cat has touched or eaten any part of a lily, or licked pollen off its fur, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Take your cat to a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: unknown nephrotoxic substance specific to Lilium (and Hemerocallis/Daylily); toxic to cats but not dogs or humans

Mechanism: acute tubular necrosis — rapid, irreversible destruction of kidney tissue within 24–72 hours

Symptoms Phase 1 (0–2h): vomiting, lethargy, drooling; Phase 2 (24–72h): kidney failure with decreased/absent urination, dehydration, seizures, coma

Even licking pollen off fur or drinking vase water can cause fatal poisoning

True lily exposure is a veterinary emergency — early IV fluid therapy significantly improves survival; do not wait for symptoms to develop

Potentially Toxic Parts

Leaf

Entire Plant

Flower

Pollen

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Acute Kidney Failure (characterized by Increased Thirst, Dehydration, Polyuria, and Anuria)

Renal · Delayed; kidney failure typically occurs within 36 to 72 hours (1 to 3 days)

Seizures / Tremors

Gastrointestinal · Delayed; typically occurs in the late stages of toxicity as kidney failure progresses

Lethargy, Depression, Generalized Weakness, and Recumbency (inability to rise)

Neurological · Initial lethargy and depression appear within a few hours (1 to 12 hours).

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Drooling (Salivation), Abdominal Pain, and Inappetence (Anorexia or Loss of Appetite)

Gastrointestinal · Rapid; typically within 1 to 4 hours of ingestion

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.