Pet emergency
My cat ate Fragrant Peace Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take fragrant peace 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 fragrant peace lily — FAQ
Is fragrant peace lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Fragrant Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum) as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists peace lily (Spathiphyllum) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Unlike true lilies (Lilium), peace lilies do not cause acute kidney failure in cats, but veterinary attention is still advised after ingestion.
How serious is it if my cat ate fragrant peace lily?
Fragrant Peace 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists peace lily (Spathiphyllum) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Unlike true lilies (Lilium), peace lilies do not cause acute kidney failure in cats, but veterinary attention is still advised after ingestion. 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 fragrant peace lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is fragrant peace lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Fragrant Peace Lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide