As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers.
Spring is one of our favorite seasons at Anasazi Animal Clinic, however, it can be a dangerous time for cats.
With Easter, Mother’s Day, and just a general spring feeling, it’s only natural to want to make your home into a greenhouse. However, you have to consider your feline friends when purchasing flowers.
Lily toxicity is a serious threat to cats. By cat-proofing your home and only buying non-toxic plants, you can have all the aesthetic without any of the danger.
What is Lily Toxicity?
The FDA states that the entire lily plant is toxic from the stem to even the water in the vase. If your cat bites a leaf or happens to drink water from the vase, they can develop fatal kidney failure in less than 3 days.
Why Does Lily Toxicity Affect Cats?
The reason why this toxin affects cats has not yet been identified. However, if dogs ingest lilies, they will not experience the same potentially fatal symptoms. They may experience an upset stomach and nausea only.
Signs of Lily Toxicity
If lily toxicity progresses, the kidneys may fail with no urine being produced. This is when the situation becomes life-threatening.
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
Signs of Kidney Damage
Treating your cat promptly could save their life! Cats must receive treatment within 36 to 72 hours in order to prevent kidney failure and death.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Increased urination
- Dehydration
Treatment for Lily Toxicity
- Induced Vomiting
Vomiting may be induced if the cat recently ingested the plant and has not vomited already
- Charcoal
The cat may be given activated charcoal to bind any toxin remaining in the stomach.
- IV Treatment
Intravenous (IV) fluids may be initiated to support kidney function and to protect the kidneys from the circulating toxins.
- Dialysis
Urine output will be monitored. In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to keep a patient alive.
Prevention for Lily Toxicity
The best way to prevent lily toxicity is to keep your cat away from these particular types of lilies. Do not bring lilies into your home if you have a cat. Do not plant lilies in your garden if you or your neighbors have cats that have access to the outdoors.
Schedule a Wellness Exam Today
At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we will treat your cat with the same intentional care we give our own animals. Lily toxicity in cats is an extremely serious condition. If your cat is in pain or exhibiting any symptoms of poisoning, please contact us right away. We are committed to ensuring the health and happiness of all pets throughout their years.
Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/8/2021) Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash