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Is Fragrant Water Lily toxic to cats?

Nymphaea odorata

Toxic to cats

Yes — fragrant 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 of any part of the plant can cause drowsiness, loss of coordination, gastrointestinal upset, and potential cardiac effects.

What to do if your cat ate fragrant water lily

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

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

Is fragrant water lily toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fragrant water lily toxic to cats?

Yes — fragrant 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 of any part of the plant can cause drowsiness, loss of coordination, gastrointestinal upset, and potential cardiac effects.

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

Nymphaea (water lily) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause drowsiness, loss of coordination, gastrointestinal upset, and potential cardiac effects. 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 fragrant water lily.

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

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

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