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Pet safety

Is Lily of the valley toxic to cats?

Convallaria majalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — lily of the valley is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Convallaria majalis as severely toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (convallarin, convallotoxin). Causes vomiting, slow heart rate, arrhythmia, seizures. Veterinary emergency.

What to do if your cat ate lily of the valley

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move lily of the valley 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 lily of the valley to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is lily of the valley toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lily of the valley toxic to cats?

Yes — lily of the valley is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Convallaria majalis as severely toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (convallarin, convallotoxin). Causes vomiting, slow heart rate, arrhythmia, seizures. Veterinary emergency.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lily of the valley?

ASPCA lists Convallaria majalis as severely toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (convallarin, convallotoxin). Causes vomiting, slow heart rate, arrhythmia, seizures. Veterinary emergency. 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 lily of the valley.

What should I do if my cat ate lily of the valley?

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 lily of the valley toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lily of the valley?

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 lily of the valley pet-safety