Easter Lilies May Be Dangerous For Your Pet–Here's What You Need To Know

This popular holiday plant can be dangerous to cats if ingested.

Fact checked by Jillian Dara

The Easter lily has long been prized for its beauty and fragrance. It has white, trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in spring and has long been a popular perennial bulb for gardeners. The flower has become a holiday mainstay synonymous with Easter because it symbolizes purity and innocence. Despite its popularity, the Easter lily, also known as Lilium longiflorum, can be hazardous to some pets.

According to the ASPCA , Easter lilies are toxic to cats, but are not known to harm dogs or horses. When it comes to cats, kidney failure and even death are possible. If you have a cat in your home, here's what you need to know before bringing home an Easter lily.

How Toxic Are Easter Lilies To Cats?

Easter lilies are extremely toxic to cats, according to the National Capital Poison Center (NCPC). Unfortunately, many pet owners aren't aware that every part of the plant is toxic to cats—even the pollen in some cases. This toxicity isn't limited to Easter lilies, as all Asiatic lilies and even day lilies have a similar effect on cats.

"Eating small amounts of any part of this plant can cause dangerous symptoms and lead to death from kidney failure," the NCPC explains. "Early symptoms include vomiting, which may begin only two hours after a cat eats part of an Easter lily. Laboratory evidence of kidney damage begins after a day or so."

Needless to say, it's important to keep the plant out of reach of any cats in your home. And if you suspect your cat was exposed, you need to act fast.

What Should I Do If My Cat Nibbled On Lilies?

Warning signs that a cat has ingested Easter lily and needs medical attention include vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, and lethargy. In the worst of scenarios, a cat can experience kidney failure and the situation becomes fatal. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxin , contact your veterinarian immediately. The ASPCA also has a 24-hour emergency poison hotline for assistance that can be reached at 1-888-426-4435.

According to the NCPC, once a cat has ingested any part of an Easter lily, "There is no specific antidote. To be effective, treatment by a veterinarian must begin no later than eighteen hours after exposure. Immediate treatment, which can limit the amount of plant material absorbed, is much better."

The ASPCA adds that a cat "with an exposure to any part of a true lily should be on IV fluid diuresis for 48 hours to prevent acute kidney injury" and "the cat should be monitored for the development of pancreatitis as well."

Quick action is best, but it's even better to avoid bringing home Easter lilies in the first place. Fortunately, there is an alternative houseplant that won't harm your pets.

What Can I Buy Instead Of An Easter Lily?

As the holiday approaches, Easter cactuses often pop up at the florist shop or in the houseplant section of your local garden center. The Easter cactus , or Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri , won't harm your cat if it takes a nibble. This holiday cactus has trailing, segmented stems that bear blooms in pink, orange, red, or white in springtime.

For more information on toxic plants and pet safety, visit aspca.org . You'll find a list of frequently encountered toxic and non-toxic plants for reference.

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