Is Lily Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Lilium species
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 Lily is unidentified nephrotoxin (all plant parts, including pollen and vase water).
What makes this plant different
'Lily' as a generic common name spans multiple genera with very different risk profiles — true lilies (Lilium) and day lilies (Hemerocallis) carry the severe cat-specific kidney risk described here, while Peace Lily, Calla Lily, and Lily of the Valley Bush are entirely different plants with entirely different (and generally less severe) mechanisms. Always check the specific species, not just the word 'lily.'
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Lilium species
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Also known as
- 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