Not everyone who has a lily as a potted plant in the living room can sit back, relax and inhale its fragrance deeply. Cat owners should be careful and place the lily where it cannot be reached by four-legged friends.
Licking the lily can be deadly for a cat!
Even a small dose is lethal
While humans are rarely tempted to nibble on lilies, some cats are not averse to it. The pollen from the flowers could end up on the ground or on the animal's fur, for example. The cats might lick them.
For cats:
- all parts of the plant (including pollen!) are toxic
- death from kidney failure
- small amounts, even licking off, can be fatal
- Symptoms after 6 to 12 hours: vomiting, loss of appetite
- Symptoms after 24 hours: none
- Symptoms after 48 to 72 hours: kidney failure
tips and tricks
As soon as you realize that your cat has been in contact with a lily, you should consult a veterinarian. The poisoning is treatable.