←
Water Lily
Nymphaeaceae spp.
Water Lily (Nymphaea spp. and Nuphar spp.) is an aquatic ornamental plant that is mildly to moderately toxic to cats. It contains alkaloids — primarily nuphamine and thiobinupharidine in Yellow Water Lily (Nuphar) — and tannins and glycosides in White Water Lily (Nymphaea). Cats may encounter these plants near garden ponds.
Important Notes
Toxic compounds: nuphamine and thiobinupharidine (Nuphar species); tannins and glycosides (Nymphaea species)
Mechanism: alkaloids cause GI and CNS irritation; tannins cause direct mucosal irritation
Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy; more severe ingestion may cause incoordination or CNS depression
Not related to nephrotoxic true lilies (Lilium or Hemerocallis) — Water Lilies do not cause kidney failure
Contact your vet if your cat shows symptoms after contact with pond plants
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.