Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Daylily - what should I do?
Hemerocallis spp.
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and signs of kidney failure such as increased thirst and urination.
Escalation note
Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause acute kidney failure in cats. This is a medical emergency; contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
What to watch for
Early signs (within 0–12 hours) are drooling, vomiting, lethargy, and refusal to eat. As kidney damage progresses (12–24 hours) you may see increased thirst, increased urination, or dehydration. Without treatment, kidney failure typically follows within 24–72 hours.
Time window
Early signs 0–12 hours, kidney damage 12–24 hours, kidney failure 24–72 hours after ingestion. There is no antidote — outcome depends heavily on how quickly treatment begins.
When to call the vet
Call immediately — within hours of any suspected exposure. Treatment delayed beyond about 18 hours after ingestion is far less likely to prevent permanent kidney damage. Use ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) if your veterinarian isn't reachable.
What this means for your cat
Daylilies are an emergency for cats. Even small exposures — a few licked petals, pollen groomed off the fur, or a sip of water from a vase — can cause acute kidney failure within days. Treat any suspected ingestion as urgent.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.