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Peace lilies are beautiful plants that many pet parents keep in their homes. What’s more, the plants are often used to keep indoor air cleaner, too. But can peace lilies be toxic to cats?
Has your cat eaten a peace lily? Are you worried the peace lily will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.
We’ve put together some information about peace lilies and whether they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Peace Lily?
The peace lily (also called the Spathiphyllum) is a very popular houseplant. The plants can also be grown outside in tropical and subtropical environments. The plants are beautiful and have long green leaves in masses, with lily blooms that stand over the plant’s foliage. The leaves are oval and have a shiny appearance.
In some cultures, the peace lily symbolizes inner harmony and healing. What’s more, the plants can work to improve indoor air quality.
While peace lilies are beautiful plants, are they toxic for cats?
Peace Lilies & Cats
Unfortunately, peace lilies are poisonous to cats. However, they’re considered a mild toxin compared to true lilies. But these plants can still make your cat sick.
Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to cats. The toxin can be released when a cat chews on the stems or leaves of the peace lily. And the toxin can also cause skin irritation that may appear near her mouth or even on her paws.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Peace Lily Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten some peace lily:
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at their mouth
- Vomiting
- diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Swelling of the tongue and other tissues in the mouth
- Cat’s mouth seems to be burning and irritated
- Red, irritated skin around the mouth (or even on her paws)
If your cat has eaten some parts of a peace lily, it’s best to call the vet. The toxin usually doesn’t cause death; however, your fur baby may have symptoms that make her sick. The vet has medication that can help her feel better faster.
Treatment for Peace Lily Ingestion in Cats
Treatment depends on your cat’s symptoms. If she’s vomiting and has diarrhea, the vet has medications they may give to stop these symptoms. For skin and mouth irritation, the vet may wash these areas off with water. They will also treat other symptoms your cat is having.
The good news is that peace lily ingestion is usually not deadly in cats. And cats that receive prompt medical treatment will definitely feel better faster!
If your cat loves eating the peace lily, it’s best to keep her from gaining access to the plant. If that’s not possible, you may want to consider getting rid of the plant. Your fur baby’s health is more important and it’s necessary to keep her from eating it in the future!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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