My Billings Gazette

Approximately 15 years ago, Easter lily poisoning in cats was recognized as a problem by the ASPCA's National Animal Poison Control Center. The scientific name for Easter lily is Lilium longiflorum.  The Lilium genus contains approximately 100 potentially toxic species and innumerable hybrids.  Three Lilium species have been documented to cause toxicosis in cats: Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, and Asiatic hybrid lilies.  Since then, many other lilies in the Lilium genus have also been associated with toxicoses. Some of these include:

Day lily (Hemorocallis dumortirei, Hemorocallis fulva)
Early day lily (Hemorocallis sieboldii)
Orange day lily (Hemorocallis graminea)
Red lily (Lilium umbellatum)
Rubrum lily (Lilium speciosum rubrum)
Stargazer lily (Lilium orientalis)
Western lily (L. umbellatum)
Wood lily (L. umbellatum)

See images of the various Lilium species to properly identify them

Cats are very sensitive to poisoning by these plants.  Easter lilies are very popular around Easter holidays, but they are common in homes throughout the year. Lilium plants are mainly sold for indoor use as potted plants or as floral arrangements but are also planted outdoors in flower gardens.



Most pet owners know little about the danger these plants pose to cats.  Although cats are finicky eaters, for some unknown reason (probably curiosity, boredom or scent attraction) they eat the leaves and flowers of Lilium plants.  Both leaves and flowers and even the water from floral arrangements are toxic. Ingestion of 1 or 2 leaves or 1 whole flower has caused toxicosis in cats, and recent research has shown that the flower is especially toxic. However, as little as a single bite of a flower or leaf or ingesting the water may cause a problem, ALL parts of the plant should be considered toxic. All suspected ingestions of any plant in the Lilium or Hemerocallis genera should be treated as possible toxicoses for cats, immediately. The toxin(s) in lilies is unknown and therefore, so is the mechanism of action.

The kidney is the primary target organ, and cats can die of acute renal failure 3–5 days after exposure.  The onset time for the initial GI signs is usually within 3 hours of ingestion. These initial signs include vomiting, salivation, anorexia and depression. Polyuria (increased urination) and urine abnormalities (such as the inability to concentrate or dilute urine) are evident within 12-24 hours after toxic ingestions. Polydipsia (increased water consumption) has also been noted in some cases. Dehydration and increases in serum renal values are usually noticed around 24 hours post ingestion. Subsequent problems include a reoccurrence of vomiting, oliguria (decreased elimination of urine from the body), anuria (absence of urine production), weakness, recumbency, hypothermia and death within 3-7 days.  Oral and GI ulcerations associated with uremia are also sometimes present, as well as reports of pancreatic degeneration.

The mortality rate from Easter lily toxicosis is reported to be as high as 50–100%, depending on the time symptomatic treatment is initiated.  High mortality rate is reported if treatment is not initiated before onset of anuric renal failure, which occurs 18–24 hours after exposure. Treatment consists of inducing emesis (vomiting), binding the toxins in the gastrointestinal tract with activated charcoal, followed by saline cathartics, and fluid therapy.  An accurate and reliable diagnosis of Lilium toxicosis is vital for proper management of this disease in cats.

Cats that are observed or suspected of ingesting lilies should be taken to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.  Prognosis is good if treatment is instituted within 6 hours of ingestion (but preferably much sooner). The prognosis is guarded to poor if treatment is delayed until renal problems have begun.

If you feel your cat may have ingested any part (including the water) of a lily plant, do not wait around, get kitty to an emergency vet immediately, there is no time for delay!  Prevent these consequences by keeping plants safely out of reach to your cat, or do not have them in and around your home at all (the better and safer option).
 
References:

Dennis Blodgett, D.V.M., Ph.D., Diplomate, A.B.V.T., Toxicology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Va. Tech, Blacksburg, VA

UC Veterinary Medical Center, San Diego

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ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center - Springtime Reminder: Lilies Can Be Deadly To Cats



Download and print this flyer from UC Davis to give to your feline-loving friends and consider taking one to your local florist or nursery.