The orange day lily (Hemerocallis fulva), also known as the tiger lily or ditch lily, is a popular ornamental plant that can be found in many gardens and landscaped areas. While the vibrant orange flowers are beautiful to look at, they can be highly toxic to cats.
Cats are not allergic to orange day lilies in the traditional sense, but ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe kidney damage and even lead to death if left untreated.
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 has ingested any part of an orange day lily, they may experience a range of symptoms within a few hours of exposure. These symptoms can include:
If left untreated, the toxins in the plant can cause the cat’s kidneys to fail, leading to death within a few days.
If you suspect your cat has ingested an orange day lily, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian will likely follow these steps to diagnose and treat your cat:
A: Yes, Orange Day Lily is highly toxic to cats. All parts of the plant can cause kidney failure, even if ingested in small amounts.
A: If a cat consumes Orange Day Lily, symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite can appear within hours. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial as this can lead to kidney failure.
A: Most lilies, including Orange Day Lily, are toxic to cats. Other varieties like Easter Lilies and Tiger Lilies also pose severe risks to feline health.
A: Even a small amount of Orange Day Lily is dangerous to cats. Ingesting just a few petals, leaves, or pollen can result in potentially fatal kidney failure.
A: Yes, brushing against an Orange Day Lily can harm your cat. The pollen can stick to their fur, and if ingested during grooming, it can lead to toxic effects.
A: If your cat comes into contact with an Orange Day Lily, seek veterinary care immediately. Rinsing off any pollen from their fur and getting them checked by a vet as soon as possible can prevent severe health issues.
The orange day lily is native to Asia and has been cultivated for centuries in China and Japan. It was introduced to Europe in the 18th century and later brought to North America, where it has become a popular garden plant. The plant is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a common sight in many gardens and along roadsides.
Despite its beauty, the orange day lily has been recognized as a toxic plant for cats for many years. In fact, all parts of the plant, including the flowers, leaves, and stems, contain toxins that can cause severe kidney damage in cats. As a result, many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations advise cat owners to avoid planting orange day lilies and other lilies in their gardens or to keep their cats indoors if these plants are present.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
