What are the symptoms if a cat eats Peace Lily?

Intense burning, pain, irritation, erythema (redness), and pawing at the mouth, Hypersalivation (excessive drooling) and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), Vomiting, stomach upset, and occasionally diarrhea, Lethargy and anorexia (refusal to eat), Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)

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✕ Toxic

Peace Lily

Q: Is Peace Lily toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum species) is a popular indoor houseplant. Despite its name, it is not a true lily and does not cause the fatal kidney failure in cats associated with true lilies. However, it is still moderately toxic and can cause intense discomfort if chewed. The leaves and stems contain tiny, needle-like calcium oxalate crystals. When a cat bites the plant, these sharp crystals are released, physically piercing the delicate tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat. This causes immediate, intense burning and pain, which usually stops the cat from eating more of the plant. A cat that bites a peace lily will often start drooling heavily, pawing at its mouth, and may have trouble swallowing. It might also vomit if it swallowed any plant matter. You can gently rinse your cat's mouth with water to help clear the crystals. Contact a veterinarian if the drooling continues or if throat swelling makes it hard for your cat to breathe or swallow.

Spathiphyllum spp. or Spathiphyllum wallisii

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum species) is a popular indoor houseplant. Despite its name, it is not a true lily and does not cause the fatal kidney failure in cats associated with true lilies. However, it is still moderately toxic and can cause intense discomfort if chewed. The leaves and stems contain tiny, needle-like calcium oxalate crystals. When a cat bites the plant, these sharp crystals are released, physically piercing the delicate tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat. This causes immediate, intense burning and pain, which usually stops the cat from eating more of the plant. A cat that bites a peace lily will often start drooling heavily, pawing at its mouth, and may have trouble swallowing. It might also vomit if it swallowed any plant matter. You can gently rinse your cat's mouth with water to help clear the crystals. Contact a veterinarian if the drooling continues or if throat swelling makes it hard for your cat to breathe or swallow.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: insoluble calcium oxalate raphides throughout leaves, stems, and flowers

Mechanism: crystals penetrate the oral mucosa mechanically, causing burning, swelling, and inflammation

Symptoms: intense drooling, pawing at mouth, oral pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting

No kidney failure risk — Peace Lily is NOT a true lily; the name is misleading but the toxicity is different and milder

Rinse the mouth with water; seek vet care if throat swelling impairs swallowing or breathing

Potentially Toxic Parts

Leaf

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)

Respiratory · Immediate to shortly after exposure, as swelling progresses.

Intense burning, pain, irritation, erythema (redness), and pawing at the mouth

Gastrointestinal · Immediate.

Hypersalivation (excessive drooling) and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Gastrointestinal · Immediate.

Vomiting, stomach upset, and occasionally diarrhea

Gastrointestinal · Immediate to shortly after ingestion.

Lethargy and anorexia (refusal to eat)

Neurological · Shortly after 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.