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Flowers & Plants

Can dogs and cats eat lilies?

Short answer on lilies: safe only with care for dogs, a veterinary emergency for cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.

One food, two pets

What changes between dogs and cats?

The verdict changes by species: caution for dogs and emergency for cats.

The two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line, named hazard, and signs to watch for your pet below.

  • Safety label differs
  • Bottom line differs
  • Named hazard differs
  • Signs to watch differs
Caution

Lilies safety for dogs

True lilies cause the fatal kidney failure seen in cats only rarely in dogs, who typically develop nothing worse than mild stomach upset after chewing on the plant.

Toxic principle: unidentified; the nephrotoxin responsible for lily poisoning is specific to cats

Watch for

  • drooling
  • vomiting
  • mild diarrhea

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-12

Emergency

Lilies safety for cats

Even a tiny amount of any part of a true lily, including pollen groomed off fur or water from the vase, can cause fatal kidney failure in a cat within days.

Toxic principle: unidentified nephrotoxin unique to true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species)

Watch for

  • lethargy
  • drooling
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • increased urination followed by decreased urination as kidneys fail
  • dehydration

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-12

Questions owners ask about lilies

Can dogs eat lilies?

True lilies cause the fatal kidney failure seen in cats only rarely in dogs, who typically develop nothing worse than mild stomach upset after chewing on the plant.

Is lilies safe for every dog?

Not necessarily. True lilies cause the fatal kidney failure seen in cats only rarely in dogs, who typically develop nothing worse than mild stomach upset after chewing on the plant. Ask your veterinarian first if your dog has an existing health condition or you are unsure.

What symptoms should I watch for with lilies and dogs?

drooling, vomiting, mild diarrhea. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

Can cats eat lilies?

Even a tiny amount of any part of a true lily, including pollen groomed off fur or water from the vase, can cause fatal kidney failure in a cat within days.

What should I do if my cat ate lilies?

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.

What symptoms should I watch for with lilies and cats?

lethargy, drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination followed by decreased urination as kidneys fail, dehydration. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.

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Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.