Pretty Dangerous Lilies

This handsome chap is Mabon, who we recently saw after he had been smelling and possibly nibbled some of the Lilies in his mum’s house. His white and black face looked very orange from the Lily pollen.

Many people are unaware that the Lily is extremely poisonous to cats (it does not have the same effects in dogs). All species of Lilium  (True Lily) and Hemerocallis (Day Lily) are toxic to cats and can cause catastrophic kidney damage and in some cases results in death. The kidneys are vital in removing waste and fluid from the body via urine and any damage can have severe consequences.  Signs of poisoning may include vomiting, inappetence, drooling, lethargy  and depression.

The most common place for exposure is in the home, where cats may have access to bouquets or pot plants. Cats may also come across Lilies in gardens, although this is less common. All parts of the plant are poisonous and ingestion of even just one leaf or part of a flower can be fatal. The water the flowers are kept in may also be contaminated by the Lilies and therefore also potentially poisonous.  Your cat may not actually eat the plant, but brushing past the flower and licking off any pollen from their coat can also have serious consequences.

Cats can survive ingestion of Lilies, but survival depends on prompt action and getting them veterinary treatment urgently. If you suspect your cat may have ingested Lilies then they need to be taken to a vet immediately. If you have seen pollen on your cat's coat, your cat drinking from a vase containing Lilies, or nibbling on a leaf then they need vet attention straight away.  Do not wait and see if they develop symptoms, as it may be too late by that point to do anything.

Back to Mabon…

Mabon is a cheeky, inquisitive little chap and had taken a fancy to the Lilies at home. He presented with a very orange face, covered in pollen. Luckily his owner brought him to us straight away.  We admitted Mabon for treatment, which involved cleaning his face to remove all traces of pollen so that there was no risk of further ingestion.  We also gave him activated charcoal by mouth to help bind any toxins and prevent damage to his kidneys, and fluids directly into his veins to support the kidneys and help flush toxins out of his system.  He was with us for three days and at the end of his treatment we took a blood sample to check his kidney parameters.  Fortunately there was no evidence of kidney damage!  Mabon is a very lucky chap, his owner's prompt action to get him treatment meant that his outcome was good.

If you have cats at home it is safer not to have Lilies around at all.

Cats are very good at climbing or getting where they shouldn’t so it is very difficult to find a safe place to keep Lilies. If you suspect that your cat has had contact with Lilies, clean off any pollen to prevent further ingestion and get them to a vets  ASAP.

Posted 7th December 2015