Pet emergency
My cat ate Showy Japanese Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take showy japanese 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 showy japanese lily — FAQ
Is showy japanese lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Showy Japanese Lily (Lilium speciosum) as toxic to cats. Severely toxic to cats (ASPCA confirmed, genus Lilium). All plant parts — leaves, petals, pollen, and stems — cause acute kidney failure in cats, often fatal if untreated within 24–72 hours. Also toxic to dogs in significant quantities. Never grow where cats have access.
How serious is it if my cat ate showy japanese lily?
Showy Japanese 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. Severely toxic to cats (ASPCA confirmed, genus Lilium). All plant parts — leaves, petals, pollen, and stems — cause acute kidney failure in cats, often fatal if untreated within 24–72 hours. Also toxic to dogs in significant quantities. Never grow where cats have access. 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 showy japanese lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is showy japanese lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Showy Japanese Lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide