Growli

If your cat ate true 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 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

True lily is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate True lily — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take true 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.

My cat ate true lily — FAQ

Is true lily poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists True lily (Lilium spp.) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Lilium spp. as toxic, and they are among the most dangerous plants for cats: even a tiny exposure — a few leaves or petals, or licked pollen or vase water — can cause acute kidney failure that is often fatal if untreated within about 18 hours. Every part of the plant is toxic. Effects are far more severe in cats than dogs (which mainly get stomach upset). Treat any feline exposure as an emergency and call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 immediately.

How serious is it if my cat ate true lily?

True 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. The ASPCA lists Lilium spp. as toxic, and they are among the most dangerous plants for cats: even a tiny exposure — a few leaves or petals, or licked pollen or vase water — can cause acute kidney failure that is often fatal if untreated within about 18 hours. Every part of the plant is toxic. Effects are far more severe in cats than dogs (which mainly get stomach upset). Treat any feline exposure as an emergency and call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 immediately. 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 true lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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