Are Peace Lilies Toxic To Cats? Peace Lily And Cats Safety Rules

Before bringing a peace lily into a cat-friendly household, it is important to know the symptoms of peace lily toxicity, how to address them, and learn the steps you can take to ensure your cat doesn't fall prey to peace lily poisoning.

Are Peace Lilies Poisonous To Cats?

You may be browsing online pet shops when a warning says, "Peace lily toxic to cats."

Indeed, peace lilies are poisonous to cats. They are also known as Mauna Loa Peace Lily. While they add a luxurious touch to your home with their elegant green foliage and captivating white blooms, they also contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If your cat likes to nibble on any part of the plant, the crystals can cause minute injuries to their mouth and digestive system. It could lead to uncomfortable symptoms like intense burning and irritation in the oral mucosa, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and even pawing at their faces.

In severe cases, the swelling in the mouth and throat can be very difficult, resulting in breathing difficulty. Peace lilies and cats aren't a good combination within the house. So, if you suspect your cat nibbled and ingested any part of the plant, you must immediately seek veterinary attention.

Nonetheless, peace lilies have been proven toxic to cats but rarely fatal. When treatment is initiated promptly, most cats will fully recover from intoxication. If you want your feline friend safe inside your home, consider other non-toxic alternatives as home decor or place peace lilies in areas your pet can't access.

Comparison: Peace Lilies vs. True Lilies

Let’s repeat: Are peace lilies safe for cats? No! What about other types of lilies? Both peace lilies and true lilies bear the same name and allure, but they differ in the following criteria when it comes to their effect on cats:

• Toxicity level: 

Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals that may cause cat discomfort and irritation. All parts of true lilies, on the other hand, are highly toxic as they contain unknown toxins and may cause severe diseases like acute kidney failure, which is potentially fatal even when ingested in small amounts.

• Symptoms: 

Peace lilies often have minor, rarely fatal symptoms, like intense drooling, oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. True lilies usually result in a more severe condition that may start with vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased urination and thirst, which leads to dehydration and kidney failure.

• Severity:

As mentioned, the toxic effect of peace lilies is rarely fatal, and the symptoms may primarily be localized to the mouth and digestive tract. On the other hand, true lilies pose a severe threat to the lives of your feline friends.

• Treatment:

Prompt supportive management is often enough for peace lily intoxication, and the symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours. However, intoxication with true lilies may require immediate and aggressive veterinary intervention, such as fluid therapy, decontamination, and kidney support.

Peace lilies may be less harmful to cats but still pose substantial risks. You should always exercise caution regarding both lilies or consider safer alternatives altogether.

Why Are Peace Lilies Toxic To Cats?

The calcium oxalate crystals, the chemical responsible for peace lily poisoning in cats, are like sharp, tiny spears. When the plant is in a cat's mouth, the crystals penetrate the tissues of the animal's gums, tongue, and throat. 

Calcium oxalate causes an intense burning sensation. The pain is severe enough that your cat may yowl in a manner you've never heard before. Considering the cat has swallowed what feels like an army of pointy and sharp medieval maces, it's understandably traumatic.

Symptoms Of Peace Lily Poisoning in Cats

Cats ingesting any part of a peace lily may result in symptoms primarily due to the irritant calcium oxalate crystals. They frequently appear soon after exposure but could vary in severity:

• Oral irritation: Cats may exhibit intense discomfort and burning in their mouth, which may show as excessive pawing at the mouth, vocalization, and salivation.

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): The crystals can cause inflammation and pain in the mouth, which is the primary cause of dysphagia. You may observe your cat struggling to swallow solids or even water.

• Vomiting: It is one of the most common signs of peace lily intoxication because it helps expel the irritant plant material.

• Intense salivation (hypersalivation): This is a natural response of cats with oral irritations. The drool can appear foamy, thick, and very sticky.

There are also rare cases when peace lily can cause serious complications, including:

• Airway swelling: An extension of the inflammation of the mouth to the throat and upper airways, which can be life-threatening.

• Breathing difficulties: Often due to the airway swelling that causes rapid or labored breathing. You may observe your cat gasping for air.

What do you watch out for, particularly in the succeeding number of hours post-exposure?

6-12 hours

The first signs that your cat is suffering from peace lily poisoning occur within 6-12 hours of ingestion. The symptoms include:

• Drooling and yowling

• Severe oral discomfort 

• Pawing at mouth

• Vomiting or diarrhea 

• Little to no appetite

• Lethargy

• Dehydration

12-24 hours 

In more serious cases of peace lily poisoning in cats, your cat's gait may be unsteady. Your kitty could also be disoriented or even have seizures.

2 Weeks 

Even if your cat has been treated by your vet, symptoms can linger for as long as two weeks. Fortunately, most cats suffering from peace lily poisoning make a full recovery without any permanent damage.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Peace Lily

Discovering that your cat has consumed a peace lily can be alarming. Here are some things you can do to ensure your feline friend is safe:

• Immediately remove your cat from the area where the peace lily is located to avoid further ingestion

• Observe for any signs of distress, such as excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, or vomiting

• Contact your veterinarian or local poison control immediately, even when your cat appears fine. They can provide expert advice on what you can do specific to your cat's situation.

• Offer cat information in detail to your veterinarian, such as the cat's health conditions, age, weight, and an estimated amount of the plant ingested.

• Follow the expert's recommendation to monitor your cat at home or bring them in for further examination.

Why should you contact your veterinarian or bring your cat for consultation?

Your veterinarian can provide the necessary treatment specific for intoxication, such as induced vomiting to remove the material from the cat's stomach, giving medications to manage symptoms like pain and nausea, administration of intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration, or providing support in a dehydrated cat, and provide airway management in cases where there is evidence of airway swelling.

Treatment Of Cats With Peace Lily Poisoning

So, if you were not sure, “Is a peace lily toxic to cats?” the answer is positive. And if you think your kitty has ingested a part of a peace lily plant, reach out to the Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian immediately. Prompt medical attention is essential for the health and well-being of your beloved companion. 

If possible, positively identify what lily species your cat ingested as some like varieties are more toxic to cats than others. This information will help your veterinarian assess the level of toxicity and create an appropriate plan of care. The severity of your cat's symptoms will also determine the therapeutic course of action.

At Your Veterinary Clinic

Peace lily poisoning can only be definitively diagnosed by your veterinarian. Your vet will perform a thorough physical assessment to ensure your cat’s symptoms are not related to any preexisting conditions. While waiting for the blood test results, treatment begins immediately to relieve your kitty’s distressing symptoms. 

Follow your veterinarian's guidance to the letter to ensure your pet makes a full and speedy recovery. 

At Home Support 

To relieve your cat’s pain at home, yogurt or lactose-free milk can be used, as it helps alleviate the burning sensation. Make sure your kitty is properly hydrated. Your vet may recommend fluid therapy to replenish lost electrolytes. Watch your cat closely, and alert your vet if the kitty’s condition doesn't improve or if it worsens. And, of course, a few extra cuddles can’t hurt. 

Preventive Measures for Peace Lily Safety

While peace lilies are beautiful, they pose a risk to cats. Because cats are naturally curious animals, it is essential to learn proactive measures that will prevent accidental ingestion to keep them safe, including the following:

• Place peace lilies and other potentially toxic plants in areas where your cat cannot access them. Put them in hanging planters or rooms that can be off-limits to cats.

• Put secure barriers such as decorative cages or netting, which deter your cats from reaching the plants.

• Use enticing alternatives, like cat grass or catnip, so their attention is away from peace lilies.

• Train your cats, and while this is challenging, it offers the best way to help them avoid certain plants. Use positive reinforcements and reward them if they follow you with treats.

• Consider acquiring pet-friendly and non-toxic plants like Boston ferns, orchids, or spider plants.

• Regularly inspect plants to check for signs of nibbling or damage so you can identify potential problems and opt for early intervention.

• Keep your plant areas clean and free from fallen leaves or flowers, which may distract your cats and make them investigate.

• Familiarize yourself with the names and toxicity levels of all the plants you have at home. It will help you make informed decisions and respond quickly should accidental ingestion occur.

Other Houseplants That Are Poisonous To Cats 

Pothos Plant

Like the peace lily, pathos plants contain calcium oxalates. This toxin can cause your cat to suffer gastrointestinal distress. 

Tulips

Tulips are part of the lily family and contain alkaloid and glycoside compounds and, like peace lilies, can hurt your cat if ingested. The entire tulip plant is toxic to cats. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is toxic to cats. Ingesting the plant may cause symptoms that include vomiting, lethargy, tremors, and loss of appetite.

Jade Plant

According to the ASPCA, the toxic component of the jade plant is not known, but symptoms can include vomiting and poor coordination. 

Mother-in-Law Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)

Also known as the snake plant, or mother-in-law's tongue. It contains the toxic substance saponin which can cause G.I. pain, drooling, and swelling of the mouth and throat.

Conclusion

Peace lilies are poisonous to cats, but luckily most kitties come through the experience with no lasting health problems. There are numerous steps you can take to discourage your pet from munching on your peace lily plant, but it’s always safer to keep toxic plants out of your home, or at least out of your cat’s reach. Keeping our fur babies safe from exposure to dangerous toxins is part of our responsibility as pet owners. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are peace lilies toxic to cats? 

Yes, peace lilies contain calcium oxalate, which is poisonous to felines. Peace lily poisoning in cats is rarely fatal, but an uncomfortable and upsetting experience for your cat nonetheless. 

Why are peace lilies poisonous to cats?

Calcium oxalate is a substance that protects peace lilies from ingestion and is toxic to felines. 

Is a peace lily safe for cats?

It’s not deadly, but may cause a severe reaction.

What do I do if my cat ate a peace lily?

Immediately contact a pet poison control center or your vet and describe your pet's symptoms. Take your kitty for an assessment if your vet deems it necessary.   

How to prevent cats from eating peace lilies?

There are numerous ways to deter your cat from eating your peace lilies. These include moving the plant, covering the potting soil with coffee grounds and citrus peels, or a spray water bottle.