Daylily — (c) Oleg Kosterin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleg Kosterin
Photo by (c) Oleg Kosterin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleg KosteriniNaturalistCC BY
Pet safety reference

Daylily

Hemerocallis spp.

Day lilies are popular garden perennials known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. While beautiful, they are highly dangerous to cats and should be kept strictly out of reach.

DaylilyHemerocallisHemerocallis spp.Tiger Lily
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Habit
Clumping herbaceous perennial
Care
Low

Safety status

Cats

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Dogs

Uncertain

Identity or evidence quality is not strong enough for a firm answer.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

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.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

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.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea may occur if ingested.

Escalation note

While not listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA, ingestion of any non-food plant material can cause digestive upset. Monitor your pet and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Safer alternatives

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Day lily is toxic to cats, causing kidney failure.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Accepted scientific classification for the genus Hemerocallis.

cats safety pageMy cat ate Daylilydogs safety page

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Same growing conditions

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