At a glance
| Plant | Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
| Toxic principle | insoluble calcium oxalate crystals |
| Signs ASPCA lists | mouth irritation, with burning of the mouth, tongue and lips; heavy drooling; vomiting; trouble swallowing |
| ASPCA page | Peace Lily, checked November 10, 2026 |
What else to know
Peace lily is not a true lily. It belongs to the arum family (Araceae), with pothos and monstera. True lilies (Lilium) are a different matter for cats: ASPCA lists kidney failure as the sign, while for dogs it lists them as non-toxic.
The name alone tells you little: if a cat chewed a “lily”, what ASPCA lists depends on which lily it was.
Look-alikes
- True lily (Lilium): toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). ASPCA lists kidney failure in cats; dogs are on the non-toxic list. A different risk from peace lily.
- Calla lily: toxic to cats, toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Same family, same verdict and same oxalate signs as peace lily. Also not a true lily.
Care basics
Light: Part to deep shade. Keep it out of direct sun.
Soil and water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and let it dry a little between waterings. Watering from below works well. It likes 68 to 85°F by day.
Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Spathiphyllum.
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.
