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If your cat ate giant water lily — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Giant Water Lily is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Giant Water Lily — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take giant water lily away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 giant water lily — FAQ

Is giant water lily poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Giant Water Lily (Nymphaea gigantea) as mildly toxic to cats. Nymphaea gigantea is not specifically listed by the ASPCA; however, some Nymphaea species contain alkaloids (nupharamine alkaloids) in rhizomes that may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; not expected to cause serious harm in brief contact but keep pets from chewing rhizomes.

How serious is it if my cat ate giant water lily?

Giant Water 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. Nymphaea gigantea is not specifically listed by the ASPCA; however, some Nymphaea species contain alkaloids (nupharamine alkaloids) in rhizomes that may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; not expected to cause serious harm in brief contact but keep pets from chewing rhizomes. 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 giant water 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.

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