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Is Giant Water Lily toxic to cats?

Nymphaea gigantea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists giant water lily as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Nymphaea gigantea is not specifically listed by the ASPCA; however, some Nymphaea species contain alkaloids (nupharamine alkaloids) in rhizomes that may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; not expected to cause serious harm in brief contact but keep pets from chewing rhizomes.

What to do if your cat ate giant water lily

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move giant water lily out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of giant water lily to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten giant water lily, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is giant water lily toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is giant water lily toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists giant water lily as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Nymphaea gigantea is not specifically listed by the ASPCA; however, some Nymphaea species contain alkaloids (nupharamine alkaloids) in rhizomes that may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; not expected to cause serious harm in brief contact but keep pets from chewing rhizomes.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats giant water lily?

Nymphaea gigantea is not specifically listed by the ASPCA; however, some Nymphaea species contain alkaloids (nupharamine alkaloids) in rhizomes that may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; not expected to cause serious harm in brief contact but keep pets from chewing rhizomes. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to giant water lily.

What should I do if my cat ate giant water lily?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is giant water lily toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Giant Water Lily is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full giant water lily pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to giant water lily?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full giant water lily pet-safety