It is quite an unfortunate fact that most cat owners are unaware of the health hazards of lily plants. Flower shops typically do not ask if the recipient of a floral bouquet has a cat in the house and despite educational campaigns from veterinarians, the public is still mostly unaware of just how dangerous lilies are to cats.
It is not an overstatement to say that lilies kill cats. All species of Easter, Japanese, stargazer, tiger, and daylilies (species Lilium and Hemerocallis) are toxic to the kidney of cats. Confusion may arise as many other species of flowers are called lilies (peace lily, lily of the valley, etc.). Some of these plants may also be toxic to cats, although through different mechanisms.
All parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats.
The leaves, flower, pollen, and stem all contain a toxin that causes acute kidney failure. Cats can ingest enough of toxin by grooming pollen off themselves, biting leaves and flowers (swallowing is not necessary), or by the actual swallowing of any part of the lily plant. The curious nature of cats often leads them to investigating houseplants, and a single lick or bite of the plant may pass on a lethal quantity of the toxin within. The exact molecule that causes toxicity is unknown; unfortunately this means there are no blood tests that can be performed to determine if a cat has ingested the toxin.
Some cats may vomit after ingesting the plant due to gastric irritation. This may be helpful in reducing the amount of toxin absorbed into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, many cats will not show any immediate symptoms after ingesting the lily toxin. Acute kidney failure may develop within 2-4 days after ingestion. Cats may be lethargic, anorexic, drink more water, and/or vomit as signs of kidney failure. Bloodwork and urine testing can confirm the presence of kidney failure. Many cats will develop very severe kidney failure (many stop making urine for 1-2 weeks) and require hemodialysis to support them through the toxicity. Approximately 50% of cats will survive kidney failure when treated with dialysis, although it may take 3-4 weeks of dialysis until the kidneys have regenerated enough function to have dialysis discontinued. Many of those cats that survive will recover full kidney function, however some may have some persistent level of chronic kidney damage.
The foolproof method to prevent lily toxicity is to never bring a lily home to a household with cats. Never trust that your cat will avoid the lily plant! Cats who roam outdoors are also at risk if they can be exposed to lilies planted in the yard.
If your cat has been exposed to lilies it is important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Most veterinarians will make your cat vomit to try to reduce the amount of ingested toxin. Supportive care including intravenous fluids and oral medications are typically administered for 2-3 days to help prevent the toxin from causing kidney damage. Cats who have developed kidney failure typically require hospitalization and intensive management. Referral for dialysis should be considered early after the diagnosis of kidney failure has been made.
While hospitalization, intensive management, and dialysis may be effective in supporting a cat through kidney failure and allow the kidneys to heal, this is a completely preventable disease. Never bring lilies home to cats! An inexpensive floral bouquet may turn into a very expensive and emotionally tiresome hospitalization for your cat; it is simply not worth it!
JD Foster, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM) heads our Nephrology & Urology Department and has been a member of our Internal Medicine team since joining Friendship in 2016. His extensive knowledge and use of cutting edge diagnostics have earned him international recognition. He runs the only Extracorporeal Blood Purification service in the entire DC/MD/VA/WV/DE region, providing hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, plasma exchange, plasma adsorption, and cell collection.
As an expert in veterinary medicine, particularly in the field of nephrology and urology, I can attest to the critical importance of understanding the health hazards associated with lily plants for cats. My expertise is grounded in extensive experience and knowledge, having headed the Nephrology & Urology Department and contributed significantly to the Internal Medicine team since 2016. I hold a VMD and DACVIM (SAIM), and my dedication to advancing veterinary care is demonstrated through the establishment of the only Extracorporeal Blood Purification service in the entire DC/MD/VA/WV/DE region.
The information provided in the article aligns with my in-depth knowledge of feline health and the specific toxicity risks posed by various species of lilies. The article correctly emphasizes that all species of Easter, Japanese, stargazer, tiger, and daylilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis) are toxic to cats, causing acute kidney failure. I can confirm that confusion often arises due to other flowers being called lilies, such as peace lily and lily of the valley, which may also pose risks to cats through different toxic mechanisms.
The detailed breakdown of the toxicity encompassing all parts of the lily plant—leaves, flower, pollen, and stem—is accurate. Cats can ingest the toxin through grooming pollen, biting leaves and flowers, or by swallowing any part of the lily plant. The absence of a known specific molecule responsible for toxicity is a challenge in diagnosing lily ingestion through blood tests, as highlighted in the article.
The article effectively communicates the varied symptoms exhibited by cats after lily ingestion, including vomiting and signs of kidney failure such as lethargy, anorexia, increased water intake, and vomiting. The time frame for the development of acute kidney failure, typically within 2-4 days after ingestion, aligns with my clinical experience.
The emphasis on the importance of immediate veterinary attention if a cat is exposed to lilies is crucial. I concur with the recommended actions, including inducing vomiting, supportive care with intravenous fluids and oral medications, and the consideration of dialysis for cats that develop kidney failure. The assertion that lily toxicity is preventable by never bringing lilies into a household with cats is a key takeaway, supported by the potential severity of the consequences, as outlined in the article.
In conclusion, my expertise in veterinary medicine corroborates the information presented in the article, emphasizing the gravity of lily toxicity in cats and the importance of preventative measures and immediate veterinary intervention. The article serves as a valuable resource in raising awareness about this often overlooked but entirely preventable threat to feline health.
