Is Lily Toxic to Cats and Dogs? (Lilium spp. ( L. longiflorum, L. tigrinum); Hemerocallis spp.)

Lily, Lilium spp. ( L. longiflorum, L. tigrinum); Hemerocallis spp.: listed as toxic to cats (unknown (all three aspca species entries list it as unknown); merck additionally notes that true lilies damage renal tubular epithelial cells). Signs, what to do, and how to confirm the species.

This page reports what veterinary poison-control references say about each plant. It is not a promise that a plant is harmless, and it is not treatment advice. If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

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At a glance

Scientific name: Lilium spp. ( L. longiflorum, L. tigrinum); Hemerocallis spp.
Also called: Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, Day Lily, Asiatic Lily, Oriental Lily, Stargazer Lily
Toxic to cats: Yes
Toxic to dogs: Listed as non-toxic
Toxic principle: Unknown (all three ASPCA species entries list it as Unknown); Merck additionally notes that true lilies damage renal tubular epithelial cells
Signs reported: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible.

Is Lily toxic to cats and dogs?

The reference lists Lily (Lilium spp. ( L. longiflorum, L. tigrinum); Hemerocallis spp.) as toxic to cats. The toxic principle is Unknown (all three ASPCA species entries list it as Unknown); Merck additionally notes that true lilies damage renal tubular epithelial cells. Signs reported: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible..

How serious it can be

One of the most dangerous plants in this table for cats. Merck Veterinary Manual states: "cats are highly sensitive to poisoning"; "True lilies have been shown to damage renal tubular epithelial cells. If untreated, lily toxicosis results in acute renal failure." All three ASPCA species entries note "Cats are only species known to be affected," and all list Non-Toxic to Dogs.

Varieties covered

Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)
Tiger Lily (Lilium tigrinum)
Day Lilies (many varieties) (Hemerocallis spp.)

Note on this entry

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), Lily of the Valley (Convallaria), Calla Lily (Zantedeschia), and others have "lily" in the name but are not the "true lilies" (Lilium/Hemerocallis genus) referred to in this entry — their toxic mechanisms are entirely different, and each has its own separate entry in this table.

What to do if your pet ate it

If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Note what was eaten, how much and when, and bring a photo or a piece of the plant. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a professional tells you to.

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Confirm it is really this plant

Toxicity lists are by species, and many houseplants look alike. Photograph the whole plant, a leaf close-up and any flower in even light; the app reads the species first, then you can check it here. If the species is uncertain, act as if it were toxic.

FAQ

Is Lily safe for cats?

No. It is listed as toxic to cats; reported signs include vomiting.

Is Lily safe for dogs?

The ASPCA list marks Lily non-toxic to dogs.

My pet only chewed a leaf. Should I still call?

Yes. Amount, size of the animal and the part eaten all matter, and the hotlines are staffed to judge that. Calling early is cheaper than waiting for signs.

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