Are Easter Lilies Safe for Cats?

Spring has sprung and it's very tempting to bring a bit of it inside in the form of an Easter lily. If you share space with a cat, reconsider that lily and look for something else to brighten up your space. Easter lilies can make Socks very sick.

  1. Popular, Versatile Easter Lily

    • Easter lilies are among the most popular potted plants in the US. and it's easy to understand why. It's a beautiful plant that's relatively easy to care for. When it's finished blooming inside you can save the bulb to transplant outside, gaining years of enjoyment outside, too. Unfortunately, the drawback for cat lovers is that it's quite toxic for cats.

    Pretty Poison

    • The toxin that makes Easter lilies so dangerous to cats hasn't been identified. It is known that all parts of the plant, including the stem, leaves, bulb and even the pollen, are poisonous to cats. If Socks decides to take a nibble of an Easter lily, she won't need much to feel the effects; one or two leaves or petals can cause kidney failure.

    Symptoms of Lily Poisoning

    • Of course, you can't always watch what Socks is up to, and it's possible she may have done more than smell the flowers when you weren't around. It can take six to 12 hours for symptoms of poisoning to occur. Signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration and lethargy. Lily poisoning can cause kidney failure and if untreated, can present in excessive thirst or no drinking at all, not urinating or excessive urination. Although rare, some cats may experience tremors, difficulty walking and disorientation.

    Treatment for Lily Poisoning

    • Even if you merely suspect Socks got into your lily, take her to the vet immediately. The vet may induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal to bind the poison and keep it from being absorbed into her body. Fluid therapy is necessary to help avoid kidney failure. The vet will monitor her progress with regular blood tests. Prompt medical attention is the key to recovery for the cat who snacks on an Easter lily. If caught in time, the prognosis is favorable and renal function can be restored. If treatment is delayed more than 18 to 24 hours, acute renal failure is more likely.