Cat · Health

Are lilies poisonous to cats?

By the Paws Answered editorial team · Published: Oct 13, 2026 ·Last updated: Oct 13, 2026Written from the cited sources. Not reviewed by a veterinarian.
White Easter lily flowers in bloom
⚠️ Not veterinary advice. If your pet is sick or hurt, contact a vet.

🚩 When to see a vet

  • Your cat chewed, licked or touched any part of a lily, or drank vase water
  • Vomiting, belly pain or not eating
  • Drinking or peeing much more or less than usual

In an emergency, call your vet or nearest emergency animal clinic.

🚨 Poison emergency: call now

  • Trouble breathing
  • Collapse
  • Seizures
  • Bloated belly or retching with nothing coming up
  • Suspected poisoning (chocolate, xylitol, lilies for cats, grapes)
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Male cat straining to pee
  • Pale gums

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)

Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a fee applies)

Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a fee applies)

Short answer

Yes. Lilies from the Lilium genus, such as Easter, tiger and stargazer lilies, are highly toxic to cats. Any amount of the leaf, stem, flower, pollen or even the vase water can cause kidney failure. If your cat touches or chews a lily, take your cat to a vet immediately.

What the sources say

All parts of lilies in the Lilium genus are toxic to cats, including any amount of leaf, stem, flower, pollen, vase water or root. [1]

Eating them can lead to vomiting, belly pain, dehydration and acute kidney failure. Early treatment is vital after any exposure. [1]

Many popular garden and bouquet lilies are on Pet Poison Helpline's danger list, including Easter and tiger lilies. [1]

The ASPCA also lists true lilies as toxic to cats, mainly because of kidney damage. [2]

Cornell warns that even a tiny exposure can damage a cat's kidneys badly, so the safest option is not to have lilies at home. [3]

FAQ

My cat only licked some pollen. Is that a problem?

Yes. Pet Poison Helpline says any amount of pollen can be toxic. Go to a vet right away.

Are lilies dangerous to dogs too?

The ASPCA does not list true lilies as toxic to dogs. The kidney danger applies to cats.

Sources

  1. Pet Poison Helpline: Lilies, checked Oct 13, 2026
  2. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Toxic and Non-toxic Plants, Lily, checked Oct 13, 2026
  3. Cornell Feline Health Center: Common Cat Hazards, checked Oct 13, 2026

We summarize these sources in our own words. Dosing or home treatment amounts are never given here. Ask your vet.

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