Springtime Safety Tips for Your Cat: Popular Easter Lily Can Be Fatal

Feline Pine Encourages Healthy Cat, Healthy Home

West Palm Beach, Fla. — As warmer weather envelopes the nation and we begin celebrating spring, Feline Pine asks families with cats to be cautious regarding those fragrant springtime flowers, some of which can be deadly. Feline Pine, makers of America’s best-selling, all-natural cat litter and advocates for cat health, offer springtime safety tips from veterinarian and feline specialist Dr. Michelle Gaspar.

“Any type of lily is extremely poisonous to cats if eaten, or if the pollen is ingested,” said Dr. Michelle Gaspar, DVM, DABVP, veterinarian and feline specialist. “The first signs of poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to two hours of ingestion and include vomiting, loss of appetite, blindness, paralysis, kidney (renal) failure. If you suspect your cat has come into any sort of contact with a lily, you should seek medical care immediately.”

Vomiting typically subsides a few hours after exposure, but this does not mean your cat is recovering. Acute renal failure typically occurs one to three days post-ingestion. Death follows within three to seven days of exposure if left untreated.

When sending flowers this spring season, leave lilies out of bouquets headed to homes with cats. Instead, considering using tulips, orchids, daisies or violets.

Examples of common Lily varieties to avoid include:
– Tiger Lily
– Stargazer Lily
– Easter Lily
– Day Lily (not all species)

All parts of lily plants are poisonous and only a tiny amount – less than one leaf – ingested can cause poisoning. Other plants that are poisonous to cats include spider plants, ivy, azalea and philodendron.

Lily poisoning diagnosis includes:
– Blood samples
– Urine tests
– Ultrasound

Lily poisoning treatment involves intravenous fluid therapy, anti-vomiting drugs and various stomach and intestinal protectants.

Should your cat accidentally come into contact with potentially fatal flowers or plants, contact your veterinarian or call the National Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

About Feline Pine
Feline Pine has been America’s best-selling brand of all-natural cat litter for the past decade. Our mission is simple: We love cats and are devoted to improving their health and everyday lives. We make chemical-free products that are safer and healthier as well as provide information and support on issues impacting feline health. To learn more about Feline Pine products, find valuable feline health information or participate in our vet chat with Dr. Michelle Gaspar, visit www.felinepine.com.