⚠ Caution

Water Lily

Q: Is Water Lily toxic to cats?

Caution: potentially harmful. Water Lilies (Nymphaeaceae family) are aquatic plants often found in ponds and are considered mildly toxic to cats. Chewing on the leaves, stems, or flowers can cause stomach irritation, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. This is due to alkaloids and other compounds in the plant. It is very important to know that these Water Lilies are not the same as the highly dangerous "true lilies" (from the Lilium or Hemerocallis species). True lilies, like Easter lilies or daylilies, cause severe, often fatal, kidney failure in cats from even minor exposure. While Water Lilies do not cause kidney failure, they can still make a cat feel unwell. If your cat has been near a pond and you suspect it has chewed on a water lily, monitor it for signs of digestive upset. If symptoms are severe or don't resolve, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Nymphaeaceae spp.

Water Lilies (Nymphaeaceae family) are aquatic plants often found in ponds and are considered mildly toxic to cats. Chewing on the leaves, stems, or flowers can cause stomach irritation, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. This is due to alkaloids and other compounds in the plant. It is very important to know that these Water Lilies are not the same as the highly dangerous "true lilies" (from the Lilium or Hemerocallis species). True lilies, like Easter lilies or daylilies, cause severe, often fatal, kidney failure in cats from even minor exposure. While Water Lilies do not cause kidney failure, they can still make a cat feel unwell. If your cat has been near a pond and you suspect it has chewed on a water lily, monitor it for signs of digestive upset. If symptoms are severe or don't resolve, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: nupharidine and thiobinupharidine (Nuphar species); tannins and glycosides (Nymphaea species)

Mechanism: alkaloids cause gastrointestinal irritation; tannins cause direct mucosal irritation

Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy

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

Potentially Toxic Parts

Root

Stem

Leaf

Flower

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Vomiting

Gastrointestinal

Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal

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.