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| Several lily varieties are known to cause kidney failure in cats. |
Easter comes early this year, on March 23, and the popular Easter lily is beginning to appear in markets. The ASPCA reminds cat owners that the popular plants can harm their feline friends, and urges them to substitute safe flower varieties in their springtime decorations, such as Easter orchids, daisies, roses and violets.
“All lilies belonging to the plant genus Lilium are considered highly toxic to cats,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, director of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, adding that certain species of the daylily genus Hemerocallis can also be toxic to cats. “The consumption of small amounts can produce a life-threatening situation.”
Common lily varieties that pose dangers to cats include:
- Easter Lily
- Tiger Lily
- Rubrum Lily
- Japanese Show Lily
- Daylily (certain species)
Symptoms cats show after ingesting these plants can include vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite. A cat may develop kidney failure within 36 to 72 hours of ingestion if not treated promptly.
“Time is of the essence for treatment,” said Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “If an owner suspects that his or her cat may have ingested any part of a lily, he or she should seek medical care immediately.”
For more information about toxic flowers and what to do if a pet ingests such plants, visit the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center website or call 888-426-4435.
For more Easter safety tips for cats, click here.