Are Peruvian Lilies Poisonous Flowers for Cats?

Poisoning

• Peruvian lily may be mildly toxic to cats if ingested, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. All parts of the plant are potentially toxic, including the flowers, leaves, stem and pollen. Peruvian lilies contain oxalate crystals that can be irritating to the tissues of the mouth, tongue, pharynx and esophagus. This irritation may cause minor drooling. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.) and calla lilies (Zantedeschia) may cause similar poisoning symptoms if ingested.

Other Lilies

• Many Lilium and Hemerocallis species, such as tiger lilies (Lilium tigrinum) and easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum), are extremely poisonous to cats. Poisoning symptoms typically occur within six to 12 hours after exposure and may include vomiting, a lack of appetite, dehydration and lethargy. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen to include abnormal urination, drinking no water or drinking excessive amounts of water, disorientation, tremors and seizures. Kidney damage may occur in as little as 24 hours and can be fatal.

Treatment

• If your cat has ingested any type of lily, contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. The ASPCA may charge a consultation fee. If your cat has ingested a very poisonous lily species, the Pet Poison Hotline states that your vet will decontaminate your cat by inducing vomiting or giving drugs such as activated charcoal, which binds the poison in the stomach and intestines. Intravenous fluids and kidney function tests may also be necessary. The sooner your cat receives treatment, the greater its chance of a full recovery.

Considerations

• Peruvian lilies are also poisonous to humans, according to North Carolina State University. All parts of Peruvian lilies contain toxic glycosides, which may cause skin irritation symptoms such as fissures, blisters, crusting and itchiness. This can be especially dangerous if the plant sap gets in your eyes. North Carolina State University describes the skin irritation as severe. If you have concerns about Peruvian lily poisoning in humans, contact the the American Association of Poison Control Centers free Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.