Can cats eat lilies?
True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are extremely toxic to cats. A bit of a leaf, pollen licked off the fur or vase water can cause fatal kidney failure in under 3 days (FDA, Cornell, iCatCare).
Good to know: Go to the vet immediately: if treatment is delayed by 18 hours or more, kidney failure is generally irreversible (FDA). Lily-of-the-valley affects the heart; calla and peace lilies irritate the mouth (FDA).
Did your cat eat some?
Call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away, even if your cat seems fine. Tell them what your cat ate, how much and when.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply)
- Don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Better choices, for example
Questions
My cat ate lilies. What should I do?
Call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away, even if your cat seems fine. You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply). Don’t make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Sources
- U.S. FDA – Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination
- Cornell Feline Health Center – Common Cat Hazards
- Cornell Feline Health Center – Poisons
- International Cat Care – Cats and poisons
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-toxic Plants – Lily (Lilium)
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-toxic Plants – Easter Lily
- Pet Poison Helpline – Lilies
Last checked: October 2026