Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Orange Day Lily safe for cats?
Hemerocallis graminea
The Orange Day Lily is a perennial flowering plant known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. While popular in gardens, it is highly dangerous to cats if ingested.
Grass-leaved DaylilyHemerocallis gramineaOrange Day Lily
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Clumping perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Day lilies (Hemerocallis) are a true emergency for cats — even a few licks of pollen, a chewed petal, or water from the vase can cause acute kidney failure. Cats are the only species known to be affected this way; the toxic principle hasn't been fully identified, but the outcome is well documented.
What to watch for
Vomiting, lethargy, and refusal to eat appear first, often with dehydration. As kidney injury develops, watch for changes in urination (too little or too much), excessive thirst or refusal to drink, and continued vomiting.
Time window
Early GI signs typically appear within 6-12 hours of exposure. Kidney damage develops over 24-72 hours, and treatment delayed more than about 18 hours after ingestion is generally too late to prevent irreversible kidney failure.
When to call the vet
Call immediately — there is no safe waiting period. Even suspected exposure (pollen on fur, drinking from a vase, chewing a leaf) is grounds for an emergency vet visit or a call to ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435).
First aid at home
Wipe off any pollen on your cat's fur, deny access to the plant and any vase water, and bring a sample of the plant with you to the vet. Outcome depends almost entirely on aggressive IV fluid therapy started early — don't stop to attempt home decontamination.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and potential acute kidney failure.
Escalation note
Ingestion of any part of the plant can be fatal to cats. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian or emergency animal poison control immediately.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Day lilies are considered highly toxic to cats, causing kidney failure.
Questions about Orange Day Lily
Are orange day lilies toxic to cats?
Yes, orange day lilies (Hemerocallis graminea) are highly toxic to cats — ingestion of any part of the plant, including pollen or vase water, can be fatal. Even minor exposure such as pollen on the fur that a cat grooms off is considered grounds for an emergency vet visit.
What symptoms does lily poisoning cause in cats?
Early signs include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite, typically appearing within 6–12 hours of exposure. Over the following 24–72 hours, kidney damage develops; watch for changes in urination (too little or too much), excessive thirst, and continued vomiting as the injury progresses.
What should I do if my cat ate part of an orange day lily?
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately — there is no safe waiting period. Wipe any pollen off your cat's fur, deny further access to the plant and any vase water, and bring a sample of the plant to the vet. Outcome depends almost entirely on aggressive IV fluid therapy started early, so do not delay trying home decontamination.
How long do I have to get my cat treated after eating a day lily?
The treatment window is very narrow: kidney damage develops over 24–72 hours, and therapy delayed more than about 18 hours after ingestion is generally too late to prevent irreversible kidney failure. Even suspected exposure — not just confirmed ingestion — warrants an immediate emergency visit.
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
Lily
Lilium species
True lilies are highly toxic to cats, causing severe kidney damage even with minimal exposure. While data for dogs is less definitive, they should still be kept away from all parts of the plant.
Potentially toxic for cats.
Uncertain for dogs.
Asiatic Lily
Lilium asiatica
Asian lilies are popular ornamental flowering plants known for their vibrant blooms, but they pose a significant health risk to certain pets. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to severe systemic issues.
Potentially toxic for cats.
Uncertain for dogs.
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Catnip is a member of the mint family known for its stimulating effects on many cats, though ingestion of large quantities can cause gastrointestinal distress. It is generally considered safe for dogs, though it is not a standard part of their diet.
Potentially toxic for cats.
Uncertain for dogs.
Easter Lily
Lilium longiflorum
The Easter Lily is a bulbous perennial known for its large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped white flowers. It is highly significant in veterinary medicine due to its extreme toxicity to cats.
Potentially toxic for cats.
Uncertain for dogs.