"Lilies are extremely poisonous to cats," said Dr. Jerry Klein,
supervising veterinarian at Chicago Veterinary Emergency &
Specialty Center. "Ingesting any part of a lily plant can cause serious
illness or even lead to death. Because many lilies are so
highly-poisonous to cats, prompt veterinary care is required."
Treatment
for ingesting lilies can be difficult for the cat and expensive for its
owners. Hospitalization is generally required. Without treatment, the
cat will suffer from renal failure and die.
Many
of the most common lilies are the most toxic to cats including Asiatic,
Day, Easter, Stargazer and Tiger Lilies. All parts of the lily are
poisonous to cats, including the flower, leaves and pollen. A cat can
even be poisoned by drinking water that lilies were stored in. Cats that
ingest any part of a lily may develop acute renal failure and die
within days.
Anyone
who suspects that her or his cat has come in contact with any part of a
lily plant should seek immediate veterinary care. Although there is no
antidote, prompt treatment can help save the cat.
"We
remind cat owners to keep lilies out of their homes," said Dr. Klein.
"And if there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, please don't plant
lilies in your yard."
Infographic available on www.ChicagoPetEmergency.com.
SOURCE Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center
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