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Is White Lotus Lily toxic to cats?

Nymphaea lotus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white lotus 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 lotus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) contain nympheine and other alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets. They are generally considered low-toxicity but should not be confused with Nelumbo lotus (true lotus) or the highly toxic Lilium genus; consult a vet if large amounts are consumed.

What to do if your cat ate white lotus lily

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

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

Is white lotus lily toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is white lotus lily toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white lotus 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 lotus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) contain nympheine and other alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets. They are generally considered low-toxicity but should not be confused with Nelumbo lotus (true lotus) or the highly toxic Lilium genus; consult a vet if large amounts are consumed.

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

Nymphaea lotus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) contain nympheine and other alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets. They are generally considered low-toxicity but should not be confused with Nelumbo lotus (true lotus) or the highly toxic Lilium genus; consult a vet if large amounts are consumed. 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 lotus lily.

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

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

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