Plants · Lilium spp. (e.g. Lilium longiflorum, Lilium tigrinum)
Are Lilies Toxic to Cats? Yes — Here's What to Do
Cats
Highly toxic. Any exposure can cause acute kidney failure; early treatment is vital (Pet Poison Helpline).
Dogs
Not known to be toxic to dogs: the ASPCA says cats are the only species known to be affected.
Yes. True lilies (Lilium species, such as Easter and tiger lilies) are highly toxic to cats. Every part is dangerous — leaf, stem, flower, pollen, even vase water — and eating any amount can cause acute kidney failure. If your cat touched or chewed a lily, take them to a vet now. Dogs are not known to be affected.
Written by VetExpenses Editorial TeamFact-checked against cited sources · Veterinary review pendingLast reviewed
Educational information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or ate something worrying, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line now. Emergency steps.
Lilies: plant facts
| Scientific name | Lilium spp. (e.g. Lilium longiflorum, Lilium tigrinum) |
|---|---|
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Other names | Easter lily, Tiger lily, Madonna lily, Oriental lily, Stargazer lily |
| Toxic parts | All parts: leaves, stems, flowers, pollen and rhizome (root); Water from the vase |
| Toxic principle | Unknown (ASPCA) |
| Where you'll find it | cut flower, outdoor, holiday |
Severity scale: “usually mild” means the ASPCA lists only mouth, stomach or skin irritation; “highly toxic” means it lists organ failure, heart effects, seizures or death.
Signs to watch for
Cats
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- abdominal pain
- dehydration
- kidney failure
- death is possible
Dogs
No toxic effects listed.
My pet ate lilies. What do I do?
- Treat any lily exposure in a cat — even pollen on the fur or a sip of vase water — as an emergency. Go to a vet now; early treatment is vital.
- Call your veterinarian or a pet poison line: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply.
- Don't make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison control tells you to.
What it could cost
If your pet needs care after eating lilies
We publish a price range only after it is checked against named sources — our poisoning treatment and emergency vet visit and bloodwork guide is in verification. A vet bill for this kind of visit is usually built from these line items:
- Exam or emergency consultation fee
- Tests: bloodwork, urine tests or imaging
- Treatment, such as decontamination or medication
- Hospital stay and monitoring, if needed
- Follow-up visits and recheck tests
Pet-safe alternatives
Related plants
Frequently asked questions
Are lilies toxic to cats if they just lick the pollen?
Yes. Pet Poison Helpline says all parts of Lilium lilies are toxic to cats, including any amount of pollen or vase water. Take your cat to a vet right away.
Are lilies toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists Easter and tiger lilies as toxic to cats and says cats are the only species known to be affected.
Is a peace lily a true lily?
No. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) belong to a different family; the ASPCA lists them as causing mouth irritation and vomiting in cats and dogs rather than kidney failure.
Sources
- Easter Lily — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Accessed November 8, 2026.
- Tiger Lily — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Accessed November 8, 2026.
- Lilies. Pet Poison Helpline. Accessed November 8, 2026.
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