The Mauna Loa Peace Lily ( Spathiphyllum spp.) is a popular houseplant known for its attractive white flowers and glossy green leaves. However, cat owners should be aware that the peace lily is mildly toxic to cats if ingested.
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Peace lilies are commonly found indoors as potted plants.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If your cat has chewed on or ingested parts of a peace lily plant, it may begin to exhibit some of the following symptoms:
The irritation is caused by the needle-sharp insoluble calcium oxalate crystals getting embedded in the mouth tissues. In rare cases, swelling of the upper airway can occur, making it difficult for the cat to breathe. If your cat shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will likely diagnose peace lily toxicity based on:
Your vet may recommend supportive care such as pain relief, anti-inflammatories, and fluid therapy if your cat is dehydrated from drooling and vomiting. Severe swelling of the airway is very rare but would require immediate veterinary intervention.
A: Yes, the Mauna Loa Peace Lily plant is harmful to cats if ingested. It contains calcium oxalates, which can cause irritation and other toxic effects in cats.
A: If a cat ingests Mauna Loa Peace Lily, it may experience drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In more severe cases, swelling of the mouth and throat can occur.
A: The Mauna Loa Peace Lily plant is moderately toxic to pets, particularly cats. Ingesting it can cause significant oral and gastrointestinal irritation, though it is rarely fatal.
A: If your cat ingests Mauna Loa Peace Lily, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. Early treatment can help reduce discomfort and prevent complications from the toxins.
A: Yes, several non-toxic plants like the spider plant or Boston fern are safer alternatives to the Mauna Loa Peace Lily. These plants are beautiful and safe for homes with pets.
A: To keep your cat safe from toxic plants like Mauna Loa Peace Lily, avoid bringing harmful plants into your home or place them in areas your cat cannot access. Providing pet-friendly plants like cat grass can also help satisfy your cat’s curiosity.
The Mauna Loa peace lily is a hybrid cultivar of Spathiphyllum, a tropical flowering plant native to parts of Central and South America and Southeast Asia. It has been a common houseplant since the 1970s and was recognized by NASA in the late 1980s for its ability to filter certain pollutants from indoor air.
Despite its common name, the peace lily is not a true lily and is only distantly related to other plants in the Liliaceae family. It gets its name from the white leaf-like bract or spathe that surrounds the flowers, resembling a white flag of peace.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
