Pet emergency
My cat ate California Fawn Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take california fawn lily away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet, or a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. Follow their advice.
- 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My cat ate california fawn lily — FAQ
Is california fawn lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — California Fawn Lily (Erythronium californicum) is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Erythronium californicum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a Liliaceae family member, ingestion of corms or leaves may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. It is not a true lily (Lilium) and is not associated with the feline nephrotoxicity of that genus, but prudence dictates treating it as potentially irritating. Keep away from pets and children.
How serious is it if my cat ate california fawn lily?
California Fawn 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. Erythronium californicum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a Liliaceae family member, ingestion of corms or leaves may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. It is not a true lily (Lilium) and is not associated with the feline nephrotoxicity of that genus, but prudence dictates treating it as potentially irritating. Keep away from pets and children. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep california fawn lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Related
- Is california fawn lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- California Fawn Lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant