Is Lily (True Lilies) Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
True lilies are severely toxic to cats — all parts, pollen, and vase water cause fatal kidney failure — and mildly toxic to dogs. A cat emergency: call a vet now.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
Usually minor, but watch for symptoms.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Lily (True Lilies)?
True lilies are severely toxic to cats — all parts, pollen, and vase water cause fatal kidney failure — and mildly toxic to dogs. A cat emergency: call a vet now.
Also known as: easter lily, tiger lily, asiatic lily, oriental lily, daylily, lilium, hemerocallis, lilly, lillies.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐈 In Cats
- Vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite within hours
- Increased or absent urination as kidneys fail within 12–24 hours
- Lethargy, dehydration, and a hunched or painful posture
- Kidney failure, seizures, and death without rapid treatment
🐕 In Dogs
- Mild stomach upset (vomiting, drooling)
- Irritation of the mouth and throat from nibbling leaves or bulbs
- Serious effects are uncommon in dogs
What to Do If Ingested
- Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth.
- Rinse the mouth with water if there is drooling.
- Watch for vomiting and call a vet if it persists.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- A large amount was eaten
- Persistent vomiting or lethargy
- Changes in urination (as a precaution)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all lilies dangerous to cats?
True lilies (Lilium species — Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Oriental, and Stargazer) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are severely toxic to cats and cause kidney failure. Peace lilies, calla lilies, and lily of the valley are different plants with different toxins, but they are also harmful. Treat any "lily" exposure in a cat as an emergency and call a vet.
Can a cat get sick just from lily pollen or vase water?
Yes. Every part of a true lily is toxic to cats — petals, leaves, stem, pollen, and even the water in the vase. A cat that brushes against pollen and grooms it off, or drinks the vase water, can develop fatal kidney failure. Keep true lilies out of any home with cats.
How quickly must a cat be treated after eating a lily?
Treatment must begin within hours for the best chance of survival. Kidney damage can start within 12 to 24 hours. If you wait until the cat stops urinating or becomes lethargic, the prognosis is much worse. Call a vet or emergency clinic immediately — do not monitor at home.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicology
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poisons
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11