Day lilies (Hemerocallis species) are highly toxic to cats. These common garden plants contain toxins that can cause severe kidney failure in felines, even if only small amounts of the plant are ingested.
Day lilies are not actually true lilies, but they can be found in many yards and gardens across North America, blooming with bright orange or yellow flowers in the summer months.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If a cat ingests any part of a day lily plant, including the flowers, leaves, stem or pollen, they may begin to show symptoms within minutes to hours after exposure. Common signs of day lily toxicity include:
Left untreated, day lily poisoning can progress to fatal kidney failure within 36-72 hours.
If you suspect your cat has ingested a day lily, seek immediate veterinary care. There is no specific test for day lily toxicity, so your vet will likely perform tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms, such as:
Aggressive treatment with intravenous fluids and monitoring of kidney function is critical to prevent fatal kidney failure. With prompt care, many cats can recover.
A: Yes, cats can be allergic to Day Lilies. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, sneezing, and skin irritation.
A: Yes, Day Lilies are highly toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of this plant can cause severe symptoms and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
A: Symptoms of Day Lily poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, and kidney failure. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if ingestion is suspected.
A: To prevent contact, ensure that Day Lilies are not present in your home or garden. Keep your cat indoors or monitor outdoor activities closely to avoid exposure.
A: If your cat ingests Day Lilies, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
A: Yes, Day Lilies are commonly found in gardens and as ornamental plants. It is important to ensure this plant is kept out of reach of cats to prevent accidental ingestion.
Day lilies are native to Asia but have been widely cultivated as ornamental garden plants worldwide. They are hardy perennials that grow from tuberous roots and send up tall flower stalks with multiple blossoms that only last for one day, hence the name “day lily.” There are many hybrid varieties in shades of orange, red, yellow, and pink.
While all parts of day lilies are toxic to cats, the exact toxic compound is still unknown. Interestingly, day lilies do not appear to cause toxicity in dogs or other animals.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
