Pet emergency
My cat ate Tiger Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take tiger 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 tiger lily — FAQ
Is tiger lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Tiger Lily (Lilium tigrinum) as toxic to cats. Severely toxic to cats (ASPCA confirmed, genus Lilium). All parts — leaves, flowers, pollen, stem, and bulbs — cause acute kidney failure in cats, often fatal within 24–72 hours without emergency treatment. Also noted to cause GI upset in dogs. Must be kept completely away from cats.
How serious is it if my cat ate tiger lily?
Tiger 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 parts — leaves, flowers, pollen, stem, and bulbs — cause acute kidney failure in cats, often fatal within 24–72 hours without emergency treatment. Also noted to cause GI upset in dogs. Must be kept completely away from cats. 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 tiger lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is tiger lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Tiger Lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide