The Stargazer Lily (Lilium ‘Stargazer’), a stunning hybrid lily known for its vibrant colors and sweet fragrance, poses an extremely toxic threat to cats. Despite its beauty, this popular flower is highly poisonous to felines, causing potentially fatal kidney failure if ingested.
Stargazer Lilies are commonly found in floral arrangements, bouquets, and gardens, making them a hidden danger for curious cats.
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.
Ingesting any part of the Stargazer Lily, including petals, leaves, pollen, or even water from the vase, can lead to severe symptoms in cats. Early signs of lily toxicity may appear within a few hours of exposure and can include:
As the poisoning progresses, cats may experience increased thirst and urination as their kidneys begin to fail. Without prompt treatment, kidney failure can occur within 24-72 hours, leading to death.
If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a Stargazer Lily, seek immediate veterinary care. Your veterinarian may follow these steps to diagnose and treat lily poisoning:
A: Yes, stargazer lilies are highly poisonous to cats. Ingesting even a small part of the plant can cause severe kidney failure.
A: No, it is not safe to have lilies in the house with a cat. All parts of the lily plant are toxic, including the petals, leaves, and even the water in the vase.
A: If your cat sniffs a lily, they are at risk even if they don’t eat it. Lilies can cause sudden kidney failure in cats just through exposure to the plant’s pollen or leaves.
A: While most lilies are poisonous to cats, some types like peace lilies and Peruvian lilies are less harmful. However, even these can cause irritation if ingested, so it’s best to avoid them.
A: Cats can survive lily poisoning if they receive immediate veterinary care. However, the prognosis worsens significantly if treatment is delayed.
A: If your cat comes into contact with lilies, seek veterinary assistance immediately. Early intervention is crucial to prevent potentially fatal kidney damage.
The Stargazer Lily was first developed in 1978 by Leslie Woodriff, an American lily breeder. Woodriff cross-pollinated an Oriental lily with an Asiatic lily to create this stunning hybrid. The name “Stargazer” was chosen because the blooms face upward towards the sky, unlike many other lily varieties that tend to droop downward.
Since its introduction, the Stargazer Lily has become a popular choice for floral arrangements and gardens due to its striking appearance and delightful fragrance. However, its toxicity to cats has raised concerns among pet owners and veterinarians alike.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
