The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white flowers and lush green foliage. However, cat owners should be aware that peace lilies are toxic to cats if ingested. While not as dangerous as true lilies, peace lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats.
These plants are commonly found as houseplants or in outdoor gardens in warm climates.
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 ingested any part of a peace lily plant, they may experience the following symptoms:
In rare cases, swelling of the upper airway may occur, making it difficult for your cat to breathe. If you suspect your cat has eaten a peace lily, contact your veterinarian immediately.
If you bring your cat to the veterinarian suspecting peace lily toxicity, they will likely follow these steps:
A: Yes, the Peace Lily Plant (Spathiphyllum) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause irritation and pain when ingested by felines.
A: Symptoms of Peace Lily poisoning in cats include drooling, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and swelling of the mouth and throat.
A: Even small amounts of the Peace Lily Plant can cause significant discomfort for cats due to the sharp calcium oxalate crystals in the plant’s tissues.
A: If your cat consumes any part of the Peace Lily Plant, rinse their mouth with water and contact a veterinarian for further advice. In most cases, the symptoms will be painful but not life-threatening.
A: Peace Lily poisoning is rarely fatal, but it can cause severe pain and discomfort. Immediate veterinary care can help reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
A: Yes, safer alternatives include Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, and Areca Palms, which are non-toxic and safe for cats.
The peace lily, native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America, was introduced to Europe in the late 1800s. Its easy care and air-purifying qualities quickly made it popular. Named for its white “flag-like” spathes symbolizing peace, it spread globally as a beloved houseplant.
Today, the peace lily remains a favorite indoor plant worldwide. NASA’s Clean Air Study in the 1980s revealed its exceptional air-purifying abilities, further boosting its popularity. Valued for its lush foliage, elegant white blooms, and low-maintenance nature, it continues to grace homes and offices across the globe.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
