Asiatic Lily

Yes, Asiatic lilies (Lilium asiatica) are extremely dangerous to cats. Every part of the plant — including petals, leaves, pollen, and even the vase water — can cause irreversible kidney failure. Even a small amount ingested is enough to be life-threatening.

Early signs appear within 6–12 hours and include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and loss of appetite. As kidney damage progresses over 24–72 hours, you may notice increased thirst and urination, which can then drop off entirely as the kidneys stop producing urine. Pollen on the fur, face, or paws is itself a reason to act, even if your cat appears well.

The treatment window is roughly 18 hours. IV fluids started within that window generally yield a good prognosis; waiting beyond 18–24 hours frequently results in irreversible kidney failure. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately.

Get to a vet immediately — do not wait to see if symptoms develop. While arranging transport, keep the cat away from the plant and vase water, and if pollen is visible on the fur, gently wipe or bathe the area to prevent further ingestion during grooming. Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home; hydrogen peroxide is unsafe for cats and decontamination decisions belong to the veterinarian.

Asiatic lilies are classified as uncertain risk for dogs — unlike cats, where lily ingestion is a known emergency, dogs typically experience only mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea if they eat part of the plant. Ingestion should still be avoided, and you should contact your vet if your dog has consumed any part of the plant.

Watch for vomiting (usually the first sign), drooling, mild diarrhea, and occasionally swelling of the lips or oral cavity with pawing at the face or a hoarse-sounding bark. If your dog swallowed a whole bulb, especially a small dog, there is also a risk of physical obstruction that can appear hours to days later.

Contact your veterinarian. Call immediately if your dog ate the bulb, vomiting persists past a few hours, you notice oral swelling, a voice change, or your dog refuses to eat or drink. For 24/7 poison guidance, reach ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

Onset of mild GI signs typically occurs within a few hours of ingestion, and most cases resolve within 24–48 hours with rest and hydration. Bulb ingestion carries a separate obstruction risk that can present hours to days later, so monitor your dog closely over that window even if initial symptoms seem mild.