Don't Let Your Cat Eat Lillies

Easter lilies are very toxic to cats. Many people don't know this and buy them as presents for their felines, which can cause life-threatening kidney failure if ingested. Unfortunately, many cats who ingest the plants don't make it out alive.

Even one bite from an Easter lily can induce kidney failure or even death if not treated very quickly-not; all species are toxic, but some, including daylilies and Asiatic hybrids, are also highly poisonous, highlighting the need for knowledge about how plants affect cats.

When your cat eats any part of these toxic plants, take him and the plant to a veterinarian immediately. The prognosis for cats that have ingested poisonous lilies is much better if they get medical attention quickly after eating the plant.

The best way to avoid these problems with toxic plants is to keep cats away from where they are being kept. For example, if you don't want them in your home or make sure that the cat doesn't have access when it's near an artificial "grass" container, it can help reduce the risk of a fatal accident for curious felines.

The best way to avoid these problems with toxic plants is to keep cats away from where they are being kept. For example, if you don't want them in your home or make sure that the cat doesn't have access when it's near an artificial "grass" container, it can help reduce the risk of a fatal accident for curious felines.

Easter baskets can be stuffed full of sugar-free candy, which is something cats should never eat. The artificial sweetener xylitol often found in sugar-free candies is also a danger to their health.

If you think your cat has eaten something toxic, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by the vet or poison control operator. Certain poisons cause more damage during vomiting than if left in the stomach.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, we recommend contacting your veterinarian immediately. The Pet Poison Helpline and ASPCA Animal Poison Control are excellent resources on hand if an allergic reaction occurs! If, for some reason, that's not possible, try calling a local emergency veterinary clinic or animal poison control help hotline.