Cats & Dogs
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
Pet safety reference
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum
The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.
Peace LilySpathSpathiphyllumWhite Sails
- Light
- Low to medium indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Symptoms are generally localized to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. If your cat has ingested any part of this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. If your dog shows signs of distress or has ingested the plant, please contact your veterinarian for professional guidance.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Peace Lily contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Spathiphyllum is a genus of monocotyledonous herbaceous perennial plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical regions of the Americas and southeastern Asia.
Questions about Peace Lily
Is peace lily toxic to cats?
Yes, peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
What happens if a cat chews on a peace lily?
Signs appear within minutes: pawing at the mouth, lip smacking, head shaking, and heavy drooling are usually the first clues. Vomiting — sometimes containing visible leaf bits — and decreased appetite typically follow. Watch for refusal to eat or drink, since mouth pain can prevent drinking and lead to dehydration within 1–3 days.
What should I do if my cat ate a peace lily?
Remove the plant material and gently rinse your cat's mouth with cool water to flush out remaining crystals. Do not induce vomiting. Then call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for next steps.
When is peace lily poisoning in cats a medical emergency?
Go straight to a clinic if you see any swelling of the mouth or face or any change in breathing. Call your vet promptly if drooling lasts more than an hour, vomiting persists, or your cat refuses food or water — dehydration is the most common complication. With appropriate care, symptoms typically resolve within 1–3 days without lasting effects.
Is peace lily toxic to dogs?
Yes, peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is toxic to dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mechanical irritation to the mouth, tongue, and lips upon chewing or ingestion.
What happens if a dog eats a peace lily?
Dogs typically show signs within minutes: sudden pawing at the muzzle, head shaking, intense drooling, oral burning, and vomiting. Less commonly, the lips, tongue, or throat may visibly swell. With basic supportive care, symptoms usually resolve within 1–3 days.
What should I do if my dog chewed on a peace lily?
Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth and rinse with clean, cool water to flush out the crystals. Do NOT induce vomiting — bringing the oxalate crystals back up causes additional burning to the esophagus and mouth. Then call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
Why does peace lily cause burning in dogs' mouths?
The irritation comes from insoluble calcium oxalate crystals embedded in the plant's tissues. When a dog chews the plant, these microscopic needle-like crystals are released and physically penetrate the soft tissue of the mouth, tongue, and lips, causing immediate intense burning — not a chemical reaction, but direct mechanical injury.
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