Cat has been exposed to lily (plant or pollen)
All true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are deadly to cats — even pollen on the fur can cause fatal kidney failure; phone the vet now even if the cat seems fine.
Recognise the signs
- Witnessed contact with a lily, or pollen on muzzle, fur, or paws
- First few hours: vomiting, drooling, off food, lethargy
- 12–48 hours: increased then decreased urination, severe lethargy
- 48–72 hours: kidney failure — collapse, mouth ulcers, no urine produced
First aid steps
- Phone the vet or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately.
- Identify the plant if at all possible — true lilies (Lilium, Hemerocallis) are the deadly ones; lily of the valley, peace lily, and calla lily are different plants with different (also concerning) toxicities.
- Bring a photo or sample of the plant to the vet.
- Brush any visible pollen off the fur with a damp cloth without rubbing it in further; avoid bathing aggressively until vet advises.
- Drive to the practice without delay — even a fine-looking cat needs treatment.
Do NOT
- Do not wait for symptoms — by the time kidney failure shows, treatment is far less effective.
- Do not assume a cat that 'just sniffed' a lily is safe — pollen on whiskers and fur is enough.
- Do not bathe the cat aggressively at home — get to the vet first.
- Do not assume the small bouquet lily is less dangerous than a large one — toxic dose is tiny.
- Do not give milk, bread, or any home remedy.
While transporting to the vet
- Bring the plant or a clear photo with the label if one came with the bouquet.
- Phone ahead — IV fluids and bloods will be prepared.
- Note the time of likely exposure.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Any known or suspected lily exposure
- Vomiting, drooling, lethargy
- Reduced urine output in the days after exposure
- Collapse
Common causes
- Bouquets and floral arrangements brought into the house
- Garden lilies and day lilies the cat brushes against
- Pollen on the fur, then groomed off and ingested
- Lily water from a vase
- Easter, Mother's Day, and funeral bouquets — common emergency dates
What the vet will need to know
- Plant type if known (photo helps)
- How the cat was exposed (chewing, brushing, pollen contact, vase water)
- Time of exposure
- Any vomiting or other signs since
- Cat's weight and any pre-existing kidney issues
Aftercare
- Decontamination if early — induced vomiting and activated charcoal.
- IV fluids for 48–72 hours to flush the kidneys.
- Repeat kidney bloods at 24, 48, and 72 hours.
- Hospitalisation typically 2–4 days.
- Some cats recover fully; others develop chronic kidney disease and need lifelong support.
Prevention
- No lilies in any household with a cat — full stop.
- Brief florists, friends, and family on the rule before bouquets are sent.
- Check garden for lilies and remove or fence off.
- Be especially vigilant Easter, Mother's Day, weddings, and funerals — common bouquet times.
- Save Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) and the lily warning in your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Which lilies are deadly to cats?
True lilies in the genus Lilium (Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic lily, Oriental lily, stargazer) and day lilies (Hemerocallis). All parts of these plants — leaves, petals, pollen, stems, and even vase water — are highly toxic. Other 'lilies' in name only (peace lily, lily of the valley, calla lily) cause different but also serious toxicities and warrant vet contact.
My cat brushed past a lily but didn't eat it — should I worry?
Yes, please phone the vet. Pollen brushed onto fur is groomed off and ingested. Cats have developed fatal kidney failure from grooming pollen alone. Treat any contact as exposure.
Can my cat survive lily poisoning?
With prompt vet treatment within 6 hours of exposure, many cats recover fully. After 18–24 hours, kidney damage is often established and outcomes are poorer. After 36–48 hours without treatment, prognosis is grave. This is why early action matters more than for almost any other feline poison.