Lily poisoning in cats
Also known as Lilium, Madonna lilies, Hemerocallis.
Lilies are among the most toxic things a home with a cat can contain: pollen licked off the paws or the water in the vase is enough to damage the kidneys.
If your cat has been in contact with a lily, go now, even if it seems fine.
- System
- Poisoning and accidents
- Is it urgent?
- Usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Emergency care and hospitalisation, €500–2,000.
Symptoms
- Vomiting and drooling in the first few hours
- Listless and not eating
- Lots of urine and then almost none
- Dehydration
- Kidney failure within 24–72 hours
Causes
Any part of Lilium and Hemerocallis plants: leaves, flowers, pollen and vase water.
How it is diagnosed
Suspected from the exposure, plus blood and urine tests.
Treatment
Immediate decontamination and intravenous fluids for about two days.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good if treated in the first few hours; poor if the cat has already stopped urinating.
Prevention
Do not keep lilies at home, not even in bouquets.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I suspect lily poisoning?
If your cat has been in contact with a lily, go now, even if it seems fine. At the vet: immediate decontamination and intravenous fluids for about two days.
Can a cat recover from lily poisoning?
Good if treated in the first few hours; poor if the cat has already stopped urinating. Immediate decontamination and intravenous fluids for about two days.
How much does it cost to treat lily poisoning?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Emergency care and hospitalisation, €500–2,000. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
How can lily poisoning be prevented?
Do not keep lilies at home, not even in bouquets.
More in poisoning and accidents
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.