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Pet safety

Is White Water Lily toxic to cats?

Nymphaea alba

Toxic to cats

Yes — white water lily 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. Nymphaea (water lily) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause loss of coordination, CNS depression, gastrointestinal upset, and in larger quantities may affect heart rate. Keep pets away from ponds containing water lilies.

What to do if your cat ate white water lily

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

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

Is white water lily toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is white water lily toxic to cats?

Yes — white water lily is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Nymphaea (water lily) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause loss of coordination, CNS depression, gastrointestinal upset, and in larger quantities may affect heart rate. Keep pets away from ponds containing water lilies.

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

Nymphaea (water lily) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause loss of coordination, CNS depression, gastrointestinal upset, and in larger quantities may affect heart rate. Keep pets away from ponds containing water lilies. 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 white water lily.

What should I do if my cat ate white 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 white water lily toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to white 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 white water lily pet-safety