Easter Lilies Kills Kitties

Mar 20, 2021

Lillies Kill Kitties: Photo courtesy of cathealth.com
Easter is right around the corner and one of the most commonly gifted plant during this holiday is the Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum). Unfortunately, as popular and beautiful as the Easter Lily is, did you know that all parts of the Easter Lily are potentially lethal to our feline pets? In fact, it is not only the Easter lily that is extremely dangerous to cats, but all Lilium species including their hybrids; Asiatic, Daylily, Japanese Show Lily, Tiger, Rubrum, Stargazer and Wood.

Lilies are so dangerous that if a cat brushes the anther and a drop of pollen grain comes in contact to their fur and they ingest it while grooming themselves, it can kill the cat. Even drinking water from a vase that held a cut lily or eating any parts of the plant can result in an emergency visit to the veterinarian. Timing is important, the faster you can get your cat to the vet, the better of their chances of survival. If you suspect your cat has encountered a lily, seek immediate veterinary care even if asymptomatic. Garfield the cat loves to terrorize Jon's ferns, but this is not the comic page.

While Liliums are potentially lethal to cats, many other plants in your home and garden are also toxic to your pets. There are many common plants and flowers that can cause various reactions to certain animals and people ranging from mild stomach disorders to even death. Since I have caught your attention, you might want to take a look at the recorded presentation where UC Master Gardener Kelley Gelderman, D.V.M. (retired) combines her knowledge of animal medicine and horticulture. As a pet owner, this is a presentation worth watching. It may save your pet's life or prevent an emergency trip to the veterinary hospital.

This free recorded presentation, as well as additional information on poisonous plants, can be found on our website page


By Sherida Phibbs, UCCE Master Gardener
Author - Master Gardener, Master Food Preserver