Are Lilies Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

If a cat eats any part of a true lily or a daylily, treat it as an emergency. The ASPCA lists these plants as toxic to cats, with kidney failure as the clinical sign, and the FDA says the whole plant counts: “the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase.” Dogs are different: the same ASPCA entries say “Non-Toxic to Dogs.”

What happens if a cat eats a lily

The ASPCA’s entries for the lily (Lilium species), the Easter lily, the tiger lily and daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) all read “Toxic to Cats.” Under Toxic Principles, each one says “Unknown.” Under Clinical Signs, the Lily entry says “Cats: kidney failure,” and the Easter lily entry adds: “Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible. Cats are only species known to be affected.”

According to the ASPCA, “All parts of the plant are toxic and small amounts can cause severe injury to the kidneys,” and “drinking the water containing a lily or grooming pollen off their fur may cause problems as well.” Cornell’s Feline Health Center is blunter: “Even one bite of any part of the Easter lily plant can induce kidney failure and, if not treated very quickly, death.” Pet Poison Helpline adds the root (rhizome) to the list.

What about dogs?

The ASPCA’s plant entries list true lilies and daylilies as “Non-Toxic to Dogs,” and the FDA says a dog that eats a true lily gets only mild stomach upset and does not develop kidney failure. Merck sums it up: “Although lilies are not toxic to most animals, cats are highly sensitive to poisoning.”

One caveat: a 2022 ASPCA article says lilies “can be toxic to both dogs and cats, however the effects are much more severe in cats.” If a dog’s stomach upset doesn’t settle, call your vet.

Signs and timing in cats

The sources give slightly different clocks:

• First signs: the FDA lists decreased activity, drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite, starting within 0 to 12 hours. Merck says signs begin within 1 to 3 hours.
• Kidney damage: the FDA says it appears about 12 to 24 hours after eating, and that small exposures can cause fatal kidney failure “in less than 3 days.” Merck puts kidney failure at 2 to 4 days.
• The treatment window: here the sources agree. The ASPCA says the poisoning “is often fatal if treatment is delayed longer than 18 hours after ingestion,” the FDA says treatment delayed 18 hours or more usually means permanent kidney damage. (Pet Poison Helpline’s own pages name every part of the plant as toxic to cats.)

What to do right away

1. Go to a vet now. Cornell’s advice: “take him and the plant to a veterinarian immediately.” Don’t wait for vomiting.
2. Call ahead or on the way: your vet, the nearest emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply).

The ASPCA says the kidney injury “can be prevented by aggressive treatment at a veterinary hospital,” and Merck says that when treatment starts early and only mild effects develop, “prognosis is excellent.” A pet poison emergency card on the fridge keeps the numbers in sight.

Which “lilies” count, and safer picks

Merck draws the line: “Only lilies within the Lilium and Hemerocallis families are considered true lilies and are toxic.” Peace lilies and calla lilies irritate the mouth and throat with calcium oxalate crystals, and the FDA says those symptoms usually resolve on their own. My peace lily guide covers them.

With a cat at home, keep Lilium lilies and daylilies out entirely, bouquets included (the Christmas plants guide flags them too). For greenery, the ASPCA lists the spider plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and the new cat checklist helps you walk the house plant by plant.