Pet emergency
My cat ate Caucasian Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take caucasian 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.
My cat ate caucasian lily — FAQ
Is caucasian lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Caucasian Lily (Lilium monadelphum) as toxic to cats. As a true Lilium species, Lilium monadelphum is severely toxic to cats (ASPCA confirmed, genus Lilium). All parts of the plant — including leaves, petals, pollen, stem, and water from cut stems in a vase — can cause acute renal failure in cats, frequently fatal within 24–72 hours unless treated as an emergency. Even small pollen quantities groomed from fur are lethal to cats. Also harmful to dogs and horses in significant quantities. This lily must never be grown where cats can access it.
How serious is it if my cat ate caucasian lily?
Caucasian Lily is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. As a true Lilium species, Lilium monadelphum is severely toxic to cats (ASPCA confirmed, genus Lilium). All parts of the plant — including leaves, petals, pollen, stem, and water from cut stems in a vase — can cause acute renal failure in cats, frequently fatal within 24–72 hours unless treated as an emergency. Even small pollen quantities groomed from fur are lethal to cats. Also harmful to dogs and horses in significant quantities. This lily must never be grown where cats can access it. 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 caucasian lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is caucasian lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Caucasian Lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide