Lily toxicity in Cats
Lilies are beautiful flowers that are popular to have in flower arrangements however it is vital that all cat owners and florists are made aware that lilies are lethally toxic to cats. Lilies are so poisonous to cats that if they just lick the pollen from their coat, take a bite into a leaf or petal or even drink water from a vase with cut lilies in it they can develop severe kidney failure. All members of the Lilium family are toxic however Easter lilies, Stargazer lilies, and Asiatic lilies seem to be the most hazardous. (Calla lilies and peace lilies are not of the Lilium group, and are harmless to cats.)
The toxic substance in lilies that injures the kidneys has not yet been identified, but it is important to note that ALL parts of the lily are poisonous – the flowers, stamen, stem, leaves and roots. The toxic dose is unknown, but thought to be reached by ingestion of, or mouthing, very small amounts of the plant.
Indoor cats and inquisitive kittens are often more interested in new flower arrangements and are more likely to chew on the plant. This may occur when their owners are not at home or observing the cat. Any potential exposure to lilies is best treated aggressively and promptly to give the best possible outcome even in absence of any clinical signs.
Symptoms of Lily Poisoning
Symptoms of lily toxicity tend to develop in two phases:
- Phase One: Gastrointestinal signs:
- Onset within 2 hours after ingestion
- Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite
- May subside after about 12 hours, cat may appear to improve with or without treatment
- Cats admitted for treatment at this stage have a better chance of survival
- Phase Two: Acute kidney injury/failure
- Develops within 24-72 hours after ingestion
- Increased drinking, extreme dehydration
- Painful and enlarged kidneys on abdominal palpation
- Death in 3-7 days if untreated, treatment not always successful
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that your cat has ingested or come into contact with any part of a lily plant then do not wait for symptoms to develop before you seek veterinary attention. Early intervention with hospitalisation and intravenous fluid therapy support will give the best outcome for you and your cat. Some cats that receive very prompt treatment with 72 hours of aggressive fluid therapy may not develop signs of acute kidney injury.
Acute kidney injury is diagnosed by your vet using blood and urine testing, and abdominal ultrasound. Some cases may also require a needle aspirate of the kidneys to rule out other causes of kidney injury. Because the toxic compound in the lily has not been identified, there is no specific test to diagnose lily toxicity. A presumptive diagnosis is made based on a history of exposure to the plant coupled with evidence of kidney damage on laboratory testing.
Treatment for lily toxicity is very intensive and requires several days of round-the-clock hospitalisation, intravenous fluid therapy, pain medication, gastro-protective medications and repeat laboratory testing. Many cats do not eat and require nutritional support. Sadly, despite extensive treatment some cats do not survive, and some of those that do survive may have permanent kidney damage.
Summary
Ingestion of very small amounts of any part of the plant or flower of the Liliaceae family can cause severe, irreversible kidney failure and death in cats within 3 to 7 days of exposure. Cats should therefore never have access to flowers or plants of this family. Prevention is key! Do not allow your cats to ever come into contact with lilies, and help spread the word to educate all cat owners and florists.
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