Toxicity to pets

The most dangerous and potentially fatal lilies for cats are those found in the genus Lilium and Hemerocallis.

Exposure to any part of the plant, including leaves, flowers, pollen, or even the water from the vase can result in sudden kidney failure in cats. These ingestions are medical emergencies requiring immediate veterinary care. A delay of treatment can result in irreversible kidney failure. Dogs may experience minor gastrointestinal upset after ingestion of these lilies but do not appear to develop kidney damage.

If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of one of these lilies, bring your cat (and the plant) immediately to a veterinarian for medical care. Generally, the sooner treatment is started the better the prognosis.

For more information about lilies, including safer alternative flowers for homes with cats and educational materials, visit our No Lilies for Kitties page.

When in doubt, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® for potentially life-saving advice.