At a glance
| Plant | Lily (Lilium) |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Non-toxic |
| Toxic principle | unknown |
| Signs ASPCA lists | kidney failure (cats) |
| ASPCA page | Lily, checked November 10, 2026 |
What else to know
On its Easter lily page, ASPCA lists vomiting, not eating, lethargy and kidney failure. It says death is possible and that cats are the only species known to be affected.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are a different genus with the same pattern: ASPCA lists them as toxic to cats, with kidney failure and possible death, and non-toxic to dogs.
We checked every Lilium and Hemerocallis entry on ASPCA’s lists: all 11 are toxic to cats; 10 are listed non-toxic to dogs, and Asian lily isn’t on the dog list at all (Nov 2026).
If your cat may have chewed a true lily or daylily, ASPCA’s advice for any suspected poisoning applies: call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control as soon as possible.
Look-alikes
- Daylily: toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Not a true lily, but ASPCA lists the same pattern: kidney failure in cats, non-toxic to dogs.
- Peace lily: toxic to cats, toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Toxic to dogs as well, but for mouth irritation from oxalate crystals, not kidney failure.
- Calla lily: toxic to cats, toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Same as peace lily: oxalate crystals and mouth signs, toxic to dogs too.
Care basics
Light: Full sun to afternoon sun on the leaves, with the roots shaded.
Soil and water: Fertile, well-drained soil with mulch to keep roots cool. Soggy soil rots bulbs, but don’t let it dry out completely.
Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Lilium.
If your pet ate some
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, as soon as you can. ASPCA runs the line 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and says a consultation fee may apply.
Call (888) 426-4435 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control
This page is reference information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity facts are summarized in our own words from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list; Plamp is not affiliated with the ASPCA.
