Question: Please write about lilies and cats. I almost lost my beauiful cat to yellow lilies someone gave me in a floral arrangement. In talking to many cat owners, very few are aware of the deadly, toxic lily. ? Donna
Answer: I am so sorry to hear about your cat. Thank you for wanting to warn others about the dangers of lily toxicity. Unfortunately, many cats like to nibble on ?greens,? and indoor cats don?t generally have access to any green growing food.
When a fresh floral arrangement arrives, your kitty gets excited and wants to investigate. They like to play with the flowers and some will nibble on the flower, leaves, or stems. All parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats. Even the yellow pollen that falls off the flower can be toxic if it rubs off on the cat or the cat walks on it and then licks her paws.
The active component that causes kidney damage has not been isolated as of now, and no antidote is available. It is best to avoid having lilies in the house or yard if you have a cat. If your cat does nibble on a lily plant, bring the cat and the plant to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Generally your veterinarian will induce vomiting, and place an activated charcoal product in your cat?s stomach to help absorb as much toxin as possible. Intravenous fluids are the treatment of choice to try and flush the kidneys and decrease the amount of damage.
Signs of lily toxicity are: vomiting, inappetance, lethargy, and dehydration.
Some cats may have tremors, seizures, or walk like they are drunk.
You must get your cat to a veterinarian very quickly, severe damage can occur very quickly in 12 to 36 hours. The sooner treatment is started, the better the prognosis
Dr. Baker
Dr. Susan Baker
Baker Veterinary Clinic
1801 S. Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Read more articles by Dr. Baker | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2013/03/25/easter-lillies-very-toxic-to-cats/
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