DEADLY LILIES

With spring here, many of us well be planting lilies in our garden and buying them potted for our homes. While they look beautiful, several types can be deadly to cats. The Asparagus Fern, Lily-of-the-Valley, Tiger Lily, and Easter Lily are among the most deadly of the Liliaceae family, causing kidney failure in cats.

All parts of the lily plant are toxic, and consuming even small amounts can cause severe poisoning. It only takes a few hours after ingestion of the plant for the cat to begin to show signs of kidney failure, including vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite. As the kidney damage progresses, the signs worsen. Without prompt treatment by your veterinarian, your cat will develop kidney failure within 72 hours.

Lilies are not the only plants that are potentially poisonous to cats. There are hundreds of different species that could cause a mild or serious problem. If you suspect your cat has eaten a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian or poison control center immediately.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty/Animals’ National Animal Poison Control Center 24 hour poison control hotline for animals telephone number is: 888-526-4435 or 800-548-2423. For online information, visit the website at http://www.napcc.aspca.org .