As a parent of a cat we all know that they are curious creatures. They love to run, play, nibble on things, rub up against you or pretty much anything near by. Sometimes their inquisitive personalities get the best of them.
Most of you know that within a short time of putting something new out they want to check it out. Enter the Easter Lily, a common gift that is given and received at Easter. But Easter is not the only time Lilies are around they are a very popular plant that can be found in and outside of the house in people’s gardens.
While their flowers are beautiful, they are extremely dangerous to cats.
The entire lily plant is toxic: the flower, pollen, leaves, and even the water in the vase. Ingesting a small amount of a leave or flower, licking a small amount of pollen of their fur, or even drinking a small amount of water from the vase can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure in less then 3 days. This toxin which only affects cats, has not been found to have the same affects on dogs. Dogs that eat an Easter Lily may end up with a minor upset stomach but don’t develop kidney failure as seen with cats.
Lily Toxicity Early Signs
- Decreased activity level
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
These symptoms start 0 to 12 hours after ingestion.
Kidney Failure Signs
- Increased urination
- Dehydration
These symptoms can within 24 hours of ingestion.
If you think that your cat has ingested some or part of the Easter Lily plant contact your vet or the poison control centre 1-855-764-7661 – note a fees will apply.