Last month, I brought home some beautiful star gazer lilies to take the edge off of winter. As their fragrance filled the room, my charcoal cat began munching on the leaves. I wondered: is that dangerous?
Turns out it could have been fatal. Lilies, especially their leaves, have toxins that shut down feline kidneys in a matter of days. By the time symptoms begin to show, it is often too late. In Shadow’s case, we rushed him and his brother to the vet. After the vet induced vomiting, the cats were given activated charcoal to coat their digestive system, and they endured three days of IVs to flush any remaining toxins through their systems and blood panels every so many hours to check their liver and kidney functions. Not the best three days of their lives to be sure, but thank heavens for Dr. Mike. By the time I got there, he’d checked with other local vets on procedures and kept me informed throughout their ordeal.
A host of other spring beauties also don’t mix with cats: tulips, hyacinths and jonquils to name a few.
The Cat Fanciers Association, Inc. has an extensive list of toxic plants and safe plants to check. If in doubt, call your vet to make certain. And — don’t rely on “they can’t reach the plant up there”. They are cats, after all!
As a gardener and pet owner for a number of years, I felt very foolish at not knowing. My pet books listed very short lists of oleander, rhododendron and the like. Poinsettias were a mixed review, and I always erred on the side of caution. How I missed the extensive lists out there now, well.… no sense dwelling on that. However, I can share my experience & hopefully save other gardeners and pet owners from a similar experience.
And the lilies?
I gave them to my mom, who has no pets. The most expensive flowers ever: an $800 bouquet. : )