Which lilies are toxic to cats?

True lilies in the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera (Easter lily, Asiatic lily, Day lily, Tiger lily) are highly nephrotoxic to cats. Calla lily and Peace lily are less dangerous and primarily cause oral irritation from oxalate crystals.

How quickly does lily toxicity cause kidney failure in cats?

Acute kidney injury from true lily ingestion can develop within 12–72 hours. Even small amounts (a few leaves or pollen) can be fatal without prompt treatment. Early decontamination and aggressive IV fluid therapy improve prognosis.

What should I do if my cat was exposed to a lily?

For true lily (Lilium/Hemerocallis) exposure, seek immediate veterinary care regardless of amount ingested. Decontamination and IV fluid diuresis should be initiated as soon as possible. Delayed treatment significantly worsens prognosis.

Clinical decision support

Lily toxicity risk

Assess lily toxicity risk in cats based on plant type, exposure, and clinical signs.

Risk assessment

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Enter exposure details

Select lily type, exposure, and clinical signs to assess risk.

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Recommended action —

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Prognosis —

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Clinical next steps

For true lily (Lilium/Hemerocallis) exposure: immediate emesis (if <2h and asymptomatic) and activated charcoal.
Initiate aggressive IV fluid diuresis for 48–72 hours for true lily exposures.
Monitor BUN, creatinine, electrolytes, and urinalysis at baseline, 24h, 48h, and 72h.
For Calla/Peace lily exposure: monitor for oral irritation, drooling, and GI signs; supportive care usually sufficient.
Document exposure details and advise owners to remove all lily plants from the home.
Contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for case-specific guidance.

Safety checks

This tool supports risk stratification and education only.
It does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace current clinical references.
All true lily (Lilium/Hemerocallis) exposures in cats should be considered emergencies.
Verify patient-specific decisions with current toxicology references and veterinarian judgment.
Even minimal exposure to true lilies can cause fatal acute kidney injury in cats.

Basis and limits

True lilies (Lilium/Hemerocallis): Easter, Asiatic, Day, and Tiger lilies are highly nephrotoxic to cats. The toxic principle is unknown, but even small amounts (leaves, pollen, vase water) can cause acute kidney injury.
Calla/Peace lilies: Not true lilies. Contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, drooling, and mild GI signs. Not associated with nephrotoxicity.
Onset: Clinical signs of true lily toxicity typically appear within 6–12 hours; AKI develops within 12–72 hours.
Scope: this tool estimates risk. It does not replace toxicology consultation or clinical judgment.

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Last reviewed: May 2026

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center; Veterinary Partner

Lily toxicity risk

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