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Is Pygmy Water Lily toxic to cats?

Nymphaea tetragona

Toxic to cats

Yes — pygmy 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 gastrointestinal upset, CNS depression, and loss of coordination.

What to do if your cat ate pygmy water lily

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

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

Is pygmy water lily toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pygmy water lily toxic to cats?

Yes — pygmy 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 gastrointestinal upset, CNS depression, and loss of coordination.

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

Nymphaea (water lily) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, CNS depression, and loss of coordination. 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 pygmy water lily.

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

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

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