Pet emergency
My cat ate Persian Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take persian 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 persian lily — FAQ
Is persian lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — Persian Lily (Fritillaria persica) is regarded as toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Fritillaria species are not individually listed by the ASPCA for all species, but contain alkaloids (including imperialine-type steroidal alkaloids in related species) and should be treated as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, drooling, and potentially cardiac effects. Contact a veterinarian if any part is ingested by a pet.
How serious is it if my cat ate persian lily?
Persian Lily is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. Fritillaria species are not individually listed by the ASPCA for all species, but contain alkaloids (including imperialine-type steroidal alkaloids in related species) and should be treated as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, drooling, and potentially cardiac effects. Contact a veterinarian if any part is ingested by a pet. 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 persian 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 persian lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Persian 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