Pet safety
Is American White Water Lily toxic to cats?
Nymphaea odorata
No — american white water lily is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Nymphaea (true water lilies) are generally regarded as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. They are entirely distinct from true lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis), which are severely toxic to cats. Always verify identification before allowing pets to access pond plants. ⚠️ The ASPCA does not list this species individually, so this reflects genus- and family-level inference rather than a direct listing — and our own records disagree across the genus. If your pet has eaten it, treat it as unverified and call your vet or the APCC on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK rather than relying on this page. Checked 2026-07-28.
Is american white water lily toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is american white water lily toxic to cats?
No — american white water lily is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Nymphaea (true water lilies) are generally regarded as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. They are entirely distinct from true lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis), which are severely toxic to cats. Always verify identification before allowing pets to access pond plants. ⚠️ The ASPCA does not list this species individually, so this reflects genus- and family-level inference rather than a direct listing — and our own records disagree across the genus. If your pet has eaten it, treat it as unverified and call your vet or the APCC on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK rather than relying on this page. Checked 2026-07-28.
Is american white water lily safe for cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists american white water lily as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.
Is american white water lily toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: American White Water Lily is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full american white water lily pet-safety guide for both species.
What other plants are safe for cats?
Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Full american white water lily pet-safety
- Is fragrant water lily toxic to cats? — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is american white water lily toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is american white water lily toxic to dogs?
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete american white water lily care guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.