Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Blue Water Lily toxic to cats?

Nymphaea colorata

Toxic to cats

Yes — blue 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. All parts of the plant may cause gastrointestinal upset, CNS depression, and cardiac effects if ingested by pets.

What to do if your cat ate blue water lily

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

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

Is blue water lily toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is blue water lily toxic to cats?

Yes — blue 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. All parts of the plant may cause gastrointestinal upset, CNS depression, and cardiac effects if ingested by pets.

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

Nymphaea (water lily) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant may cause gastrointestinal upset, CNS depression, and cardiac effects if ingested by pets. 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 blue water lily.

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

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

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