The Easter season is full of beautiful traditions and flowers, especially the Easter Lilies. But did you know bringing these flowers into your home can be incredibly dangerous for your cats? The veterinarians at Clark Animal Care Center in Penfield, NY, know the dangers that lilies pose and want to help you keep your cats safe and healthy this Easter season.  

Not all lilies are deadly to cats. There are some types, including the Peace lily, that can cause irritation to the mouth or tongue if ingested, but do not result in serious medical issues. The potentially fatal lilies include the Lilium or Hemerocallis species. The Easter and Oriental lilies fall into this category. If your cat eats any part of these plants or drinks the water they’re displayed in, kidney failure and death can follow if not treated immediately.

If you know your cat has eaten even a tiny piece of a lily and has yet to vomit, take them to the animal hospital immediately so the veterinarian can induce vomiting and begin treatment. Even with intensive treatment your cat’s kidneys could be irreversibly damaged.  Many cats die from eating lilies.

You don’t want your cat to suffer, so the best way to keep your cat safe is to avoid bringing any lilies into your home this Easter season or throughout the year.  Be careful of flower bouquets that come into your house with lilies in them. For more information on lily toxicity contact Clark Animal Care Center today. Call (585) 377-1160 to speak with one of their top-notch veterinarians or to schedule an appointment. For more on their veterinary services, including surgical services and routine care, visit them online.