Pet emergency
My cat ate Peace lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take 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 peace lily — FAQ
Is peace lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) as mildly toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Spathiphyllum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include drooling, oral pain, and difficulty swallowing.
How serious is it if my cat ate peace lily?
Peace 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. ASPCA lists Spathiphyllum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include drooling, oral pain, and difficulty swallowing. 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?
Move peace lily well out of reach, or replace it with a pet-safe look-alike — good cat-safe swaps include calathea, cast iron plant, african violet, all ASPCA non-toxic. See pet-safe alternatives to peace lily.
Related
- Is peace lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Peace lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Pet-safe alternatives to peace lily