The popular flower a vet warns can be deadly to cats
By Katrina Warren|
Lilies are undeniably gorgeous flowers, gracing gardens and bouquets alike and with the warmer months upon us, they are in abundance.?
However, I wish they came with a warning when sold at florists; as they may be beautiful to look at but can be deadly for our cats.
Many varieties of lilies, including Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and Asiatic lilies, contain toxins that, when ingested, can lead to severe health issues and even fatal consequences for our feline friends. Unfortunately, many cat owners only learn of this danger the hard way.
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Lily toxicity is devastating and often affects young cats as they are curious and playful and often nibble on plants and flowers. Pollen often gets caught on a cat's coat and they lick it? off.
All parts of the 'true' lily plant (Lilium or Hemerocallis species) are considered toxic: leaves, stems, flowers, pollen and even water if they are in a vase, and only tiny amounts need to be ingested for toxicity to occur. Despite intensive treatment efforts, many affected cats do not survive.
Signs of lily toxicity usually start within several hours of exposure, including drooling, vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia; progressing to renal kidney failure, a life-threatening emergency.
If you suspect your cat may have ingested any part of a lily, head straight to your vet, as early treatment is vital.
Keep lilies out of reach
Ensure lilies are inaccessible to your cats, whether inside your home or in your garden.
If you share your living space with cats, don't have lilies in your home. Regardless of how seemingly inaccessible they might be, the potential risks far outweigh any aesthetic benefits.
Cats are agile jumpers, leaves can drop, vases may tip, and pollen can be carried by a breeze or fan จC any of these situations could potentially endanger your feline friend. When sending flower bouquets to friends or family who have cats, be sure to make a specific request: kindly ask for no lilies in the arrangement.
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Know your plants
Familiarise yourself with different types of lilies and other toxic plants.
Some plants may incorporate the term "lily" in their name but do not fall under the category of true lilies.?
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Ingesting these plants can pose different risks, such as:
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum species): Consumption can lead to oral and gastrointestinal irritation, causing symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis): This plant contains toxins known as cardiac glycosides, which can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and heart arrhythmias when ingested.
Fortunately for dog owners, the devastating? kidney-related toxicity seen in cats due to 'true' lilies is not observed in dogs. Nevertheless, both true lilies and other lily varieties are still regarded as poisonous to dogs and should be kept out of reach.
