Red Lily

Yes, Red Lily (Lilium umbellatum) is highly toxic to cats and a veterinary emergency. Ingestion of any part of the plant — including pollen or water from the vase — can lead to acute kidney failure. This is one of the most dangerous plants a cat can encounter.

Early signs appear within 0 to 12 hours and include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and loss of appetite. By 12 to 24 hours, cats may show increased urination followed by dehydration. Without treatment, kidney failure typically develops within 24 to 72 hours and can be fatal, with affected cats eventually stopping urination altogether.

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Bring the plant or a clear phone photo to the clinic so the vet can confirm the species. Cats started on IV fluid diuresis within 18 hours of exposure have the best chance of avoiding irreversible kidney damage.

There is no safe amount — even minor contact such as licking pollen off fur or drinking water from a vase holding the plant is enough to trigger kidney failure. Any suspected exposure, however small, should be treated as a same-hour emergency.

Red Lily's toxicity classification for dogs is uncertain with low confidence. Unlike cats, for whom true lilies are highly dangerous, dogs that eat Red Lily (Lilium umbellatum) typically experience only mild gastrointestinal irritation such as vomiting or diarrhea. Individual sensitivities vary, so monitor your dog closely after any ingestion.

The most likely symptoms are mild and self-limiting: a single bout of vomiting, soft stool, or brief drooling. When GI signs occur, they generally appear within 2–6 hours of ingestion and resolve within 24 hours. If your dog ate a large amount — especially bulb material — watch for repeated vomiting, sustained diarrhea, or refusal to eat, which signal more than minor irritation.

Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues past one episode, if your dog seems lethargic or refuses food for more than a few hours, or if they consumed a large quantity. This is a same-day call, not necessarily an emergency — but if symptoms are severe or worsening, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

True lilies cause acute kidney failure in cats even in tiny amounts, making them one of the most dangerous plants in veterinary toxicology. Dogs lack that same vulnerability: the toxic principle responsible for feline kidney damage does not affect dogs the same way, which is why dogs exposed to Red Lily are expected to show only mild GI upset at worst. The exact mechanism behind this species difference is not fully documented.