Pet emergency
My cat ate Lilium lancifolium — what to do
Step by step
- Take lilium lancifolium 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 lilium lancifolium — FAQ
Is lilium lancifolium poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Lilium lancifolium (Lilium lancifolium) as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists tiger lily (Lilium) as toxic to cats — cats are the only species known to be affected, but exposure is severe: even small amounts of petal, leaf, pollen or vase water can cause vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, acute kidney failure and death. Treat as a veterinary emergency for cats; ASPCA classifies it non-toxic to dogs and horses, though ingestion may still cause GI upset.
How serious is it if my cat ate lilium lancifolium?
Lilium lancifolium 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. ASPCA lists tiger lily (Lilium) as toxic to cats — cats are the only species known to be affected, but exposure is severe: even small amounts of petal, leaf, pollen or vase water can cause vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, acute kidney failure and death. Treat as a veterinary emergency for cats; ASPCA classifies it non-toxic to dogs and horses, though ingestion may still cause GI upset. 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 lilium lancifolium well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is lilium lancifolium toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Lilium lancifolium and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide