Pet emergency
My cat ate Easter Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take easter 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 easter lily — FAQ
Is easter lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum) as toxic to cats. SEVERELY TOXIC to cats (ASPCA confirmed). All parts — petals, leaves, pollen, stem, and water from the vase — can cause acute renal failure in cats, which is often fatal without immediate veterinary treatment. Toxic to dogs in large quantities. Keep well out of reach of all pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate easter lily?
Easter 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. SEVERELY TOXIC to cats (ASPCA confirmed). All parts — petals, leaves, pollen, stem, and water from the vase — can cause acute renal failure in cats, which is often fatal without immediate veterinary treatment. Toxic to dogs in large quantities. Keep well out of reach of all pets. 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 easter lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is easter lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Easter Lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide