Lilies are often a favorite choice for bouquets or adding color to your garden. There’s no denying they are gorgeous, but these flowers can be deadly for your feline friend if you are a cat owner.
What Makes Lilies So Toxic To Cats?
Researchers aren’t quite sure exactly what toxin is so dangerous to cats, but even the smallest exposure can cause kidney failure. Some household plants can cause mild digestive issues, but these flowers can have serious or even fatal effects on felines.
The Types Of Lilies That Are Deadly
Not all lilies are equally dangerous to our feline friends. A few lily species can be fatal to these cats, and it would be best not to have them around in the house. These dangerous variations include the Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, Stargazer lilies, Japanese show lilies, and Asiatic lilies.
How Lilies Affect A Cat’s Body
When a cat ingests or comes into contact with a toxic lily, the toxins rapidly enter the bloodstream and attack the kidneys. Within hours, the cat may suffer from severe dehydration, vomiting, and lethargy as the kidneys begin to fail. Even the slightest contact with these flowers can be deadly.
Small Exposure Can Be Deadly
Unlike most plants, which need large doses to cause harm, even the smallest bit of exposure can be deadly to felines. Drinking water from a vase containing lilies, licking a single petal, or brushing against pollen and then grooming can be enough to cause fatal kidney damage.
Symptoms To Look Out For
If you happen to have these toxic flowers in your house and might not have been aware, there are a few signs you can look out for in your cat. Drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy are some of the first signs. As the toxin progresses, cats may experience increased thirst, frequent urination (followed by little to no urination), and ultimately complete kidney failure.
When Treatment Is Still Possible
If you suspect that your cat may have come in contact with these toxic flowers, the sooner you get professional help, the better. The first 6 to 12 hours after ingestion are crucial, as quick intervention can sometimes prevent permanent kidney damage. Delaying treatment drastically reduces the chances of survival.
What To Do If You Suspect Poisoning
If you suspect your cat might have come in contact with a toxic lily, it’s best not to wait for any symptoms before getting help. Call your vet or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately. Inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal may help, but only under veterinary guidance.
How Vets Treat These Toxins
Cats usually undergo aggressive IV fluid treatments to help flush the bloodstream of toxins. They may also receive medications to manage symptoms and protect kidney function. In severe cases, dialysis may be required, but even with intensive care, survival isn’t guaranteed.
Are Dogs Affected The Same Way?
Researchers can’t identify the exact toxin affecting cats so severely, so they aren’t quite sure why dogs aren’t affected the same way. If dogs do happen to ingest any of these toxic lilies, they can have a few minor symptoms but nothing that will lead to kidney failure.
How To Keep Your Cats Safe From Lilies
The most obvious way is to avoid having lilies in your garden or home when you have a feline friend. But if you do receive a bouquet and there happen to be lilies, remove them from your house before your cat has the chance to investigate. Make sure to dispose of them in the right manner as well so that your cat doesn’t accidentally come across them.
Cat-Safe Alternatives To Lilies
Many flower species can harm your cat or even be fatal to them, so it’s important to know which flowers are safe to keep around. Opt for sunflowers, roses, orchids, snapdragons, and more. There are a ton of flowers that are safe for your feline friends when you are well-informed.
Raising Awareness Among Cat Owners
Many cat owners are unaware of the danger lilies pose. Spreading awareness through social media, pet groups, and conversations with friends can help prevent tragic accidents. The more people know, the safer cats will be from this deadly but preventable threat.
