Easter Lilies are Toxic to Cats
Julaine Hunter, DVM
Spring is a time of new growth and rebirth, celebrated by many with symbolic plants. One of the most commonly given and received is the Easter lily. Unfortunately, this plant, along with some of its beautiful cousins, is highly toxic when consumed by cats. Ingestion results in kidney damage which, if left untreated, is often fatal within three to seven days.
Members of the species of the genus Lilium (Easter lily, Tiger lily, Rubrum lily, Japanese show lily and Asiatic hybrid lily), some species of Hemerocallis (day lilies) and possibly other species of the family Liliaceae are exceedingly toxic to cats. Although the exact toxic agent is currently unknown it is believed to be water soluble. Ingestion results in kidney damage. All parts of these plants, including their pollen, are toxic. Fatal intoxications have been reported when less than one leaf was ingested. Even a seemingly innocuous exposure, such as a few bites on a leaf, has resulted in clinical signs because ingestion results in acute renal tubular necrosis.
Much confusion has arisen from the usage of common names. A short and by no means, all inclusive list of toxic specimens (common name followed by the scientific name) is as follows:
1. Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum)
2. Tiger lily (Lilium tigrinum)
3. Rubrum lily (Lilium speciosum)
4. Japanese show lily (Lilium lancifolium)
5. Day lily (Hemerocallis species)
Exposed individuals cease to eat and become depressed in the first few hours following ingestion. Many cats vomit and salivate excessively; these signs often cease after a few hours. Some individuals may appear quite normal, save for mild depression or anorexia, which can go unnoticed. Within one to three days acute renal failure develops and animals are usually depressed, anorexic, dehydrated, nauseous, and hypothermic, as toxins normally filtered and excreted by the kidneys are retained within the body. In rare instances, some cats develop neurologic signs: disorientation and seizure. Failure to institute aggressive detoxification and fluid therapy within the first eighteen hours of exposure often results in death due to acute renal failure or euthanasia.
Kidney failure results from direct injury and death of renal tubular epithelial cells. Injured cells can regenerate if fluid therapy is instituted early. The first line of treatment is decontamination. Vomiting may be induced followed by oral administration of activated charcoal and a cathartic to (1) decrease further absorption of ingested plant material not removed by emesis and (2) enhance the rate of gastrointestinal clearance. Intravenous fluid therapy, a.k.a., fluid diuresis, is essential to maintaining urine flow and has been effective in preventing lily-induced acute kidney failure.
Bottom line: Avoid putting lilies where cats have access, indoors or out, and to use beautiful floral alternatives such as Easter orchids, the Easter lily cactus, Easter daisy or violets.
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