Poisonous Plants

[Rebecca Dunn]

My 4 year old cat threw up a few times in the past week or so which is odd for her. I noticed her eating the leaves out of a peace lilly I brought home from a funeral. I did some research and found out that all lillies are poisonous to cats. I threw the plant out and cleaned the area good. My cat seems normal but should I be more concerned? I read that most lillies can cause kidney damage but that peace lillies really only cause oral irritation and vomiting. The only symptom she has had is vomiting and it hasn't occurred since I disposed of the plant. Thanks.

[M-A]

Hello Rebecca,

Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest. They do have different consequences than lilies, but it's still very important to take your kitty to the vet to get her checked out.

The vet may take some blood work or a urine sample just to confirm her kidneys and GI tract are okay. Feel free to call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center 24 hr. hotline if you have additional questions. The number is 888-426-4435.

Best,
M-A