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If your cat ate blue star water lily — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Blue Star Water Lily is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Blue Star Water Lily — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take blue star water lily away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate blue star water lily — FAQ

Is blue star water lily poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Blue Star Water Lily (Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea) as mildly toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Nymphaea odorata as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but water lily leaves and rhizomes can cause mild vomiting or diarrhoea if consumed in quantity. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution; contact your vet if a pet ingests significant plant material.

How serious is it if my cat ate blue star water lily?

Blue Star Water Lily is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The ASPCA lists Nymphaea odorata as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but water lily leaves and rhizomes can cause mild vomiting or diarrhoea if consumed in quantity. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution; contact your vet if a pet ingests significant plant material. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep blue star water lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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