The US FDA has called Easter, Tiger, Japanese Show and Asiatic lilies a possible culprit for kidney failure. Easter lilies are popular but deadly for cats, according to veterinarian. This is also true for the other above-mentioned lilies, according to US FDA veterinarian Dr Melanie McLean.

The lily plant is completely poisonous to cats and eating a few leaves or licking some pollen grains can quickly trigger kidney failure. Cats that eat part of a lily may vomit soon after consumption, but this may lessen gradually in two-four hours. Within 12-24 hours, the cat will begin frequently urinating, which may stop due to kidney failure. In four-seven days, a cat may die if not treated. Hence, early treatment is crucial.

Some kinds of lilies, such as Peace and Calla lilies, may cause irritation in a cat’s esophagus and mouth, but they do not cause kidney failure. Also, Lilies of the Valley can trigger heart rhythm problems. McLean advised not to keep any kind of lilies if there is a cat in the house. If there are lilies, they should be kept out of reach from a cat. Dogs, however, are safe from these dangerous side effects of lilies, although some gut issues may emerge.