Is Blue Star Water Lily toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists blue star water 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 stellata is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets due to alkaloid content. The risk is considered low, but the plant should not be confused with the highly toxic Lilium (true lily) genus; seek veterinary advice if significant ingestion occurs.

Nymphaea stellata is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets due to alkaloid content. The risk is considered low, but the plant should not be confused with the highly toxic Lilium (true lily) genus; seek veterinary advice if significant ingestion occurs. 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 star 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.

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

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.