Is Easter Lily Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Lilium longiflorum
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | No |
| Toxic component | Unidentified nephrotoxin (all plant parts, including pollen and vase water) |
| Onset of symptoms | 2 hours for vomiting; kidney failure develops over 24-72 hours in cats |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Advertisement
Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Increased or decreased urination
- Dehydration
- Seizures in advanced cases
Advertisement
What to do
If a cat has had ANY contact with a true lily — chewing a leaf, licking pollen off fur, or drinking vase water — treat this as a veterinary emergency immediately, even before symptoms appear. Early IV fluid therapy within 18 hours dramatically improves survival odds.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Easter Lily is unidentified nephrotoxin (all plant parts, including pollen and vase water).
What makes this plant different
Easter Lily's seasonal popularity as a holiday gift plant makes spring one of the highest-incidence periods for cat lily poisonings — a cat that simply grooms pollen off its fur after being near an Easter bouquet is at real risk, not just one that chews the leaves.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Lilium longiflorum
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Also known as
- Easter Lily
- Typically found
- both
Pet-safe alternatives
Advertisement
Related plants
Aloe
Aloe vera
Asian Lily
Lilium asiatica
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri
Autumn Crocus
Colchicum autumnale
Bamboo Vine
Smilax laurifolia
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control