Is True Lily & Daylily toxic to dogs and cats?
Lilium spp., Hemerocallis spp. · Liliaceae
Yes — True Lily & Daylily is toxic to pets (critical). Cats — life-threatening. Dogs usually get mild stomach upset only.
Choose your pet
Why it is toxic
Unidentified nephrotoxin present in every part of the plant, including pollen and the water in the vase
How fast symptoms appear: Vomiting and lethargy at 1–3 hours; acute kidney injury at 12–72 hours
Symptoms of poisoning
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Increased urination, then no urination at all
- Dehydration
- Seizures in late-stage kidney failure
What to do first
- Treat any exposure in a cat as an emergency, including pollen brushed onto the coat or a sip of vase water.
- Wipe pollen off fur and paws with a damp cloth so it is not groomed off and swallowed.
- Go to the vet now — do not wait for symptoms. Say the word 'lily' when you phone; clinics triage it immediately.
- Take the plant or a clear photo with you.
What your vet will do
Emesis if within about 2 hours, activated charcoal, then aggressive intravenous fluid diuresis for around 48 hours with kidney values rechecked daily for 3 days. Dialysis is considered if kidney injury develops. Outcomes are best when treatment starts within 6 hours.
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Check my plant freeSources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list; Pet Poison Helpline; Milewski & Khan, J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2006. PetPlantGuard is complementary to veterinary care and never replaces your vet.