Lily: is it toxic to cats and dogs?

Pet safety summary

ASPCA's generic Lily entry covers Lilium species: toxic to cats and non-toxic to dogs. True lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, so suspected feline exposure requires urgent veterinary or poison-control guidance.

The common name lily is highly ambiguous. This page covers true lilies in the genus Lilium only. Peace lily, calla lily, lily of the valley, gloriosa lily, and other plants called lily are different plants with different toxicities, including some that are toxic to dogs.

Cats

Cat conclusion: ASPCA Animal Poison Control identifies Lily as toxic to cats. Keep the plant out of reach and contact a veterinarian or poison-control service if exposure is suspected.

Dogs

Dog conclusion: ASPCA Animal Poison Control lists Lily as non-toxic to dogs for the plant identity defined on this page. Non-toxic does not mean edible, and common-name lookalikes may have different risks.

Clinical signs reported by the source

• kidney failure in cats

What to do if your pet ate it

Remove access to the plant. Save the plant label or a clear photo, note the part and approximate amount eaten, and contact your veterinarian or a poison-control service when the source identifies a toxicity risk. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional specifically tells you to.

Evidence and identity

Scientific name used on this page: Lilium species

Source scientific name: Lilium species

Source notes: Unknown; ASPCA identifies kidney failure in cats

Source

ASPCA Animal Poison Control plant safety entry for Lily

Source reviewed for Batch 30 on August 3, 2026.

Emergency contacts

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

If your pet is having trouble breathing, collapsing, having seizures, or otherwise appears critically ill, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.