Are Calla Lilies Poisonous to Cats? (Symptoms & Treatments)
Yes, calla lilies are poisonous to cats. All parts of the calla lily, including its leaves, stems and flowers contain calcium oxalate crystals which can be harmful if ingested by cats. When exposed to these crystals, cats may experience oral irritation and drooling as well as difficulty swallowing due to swelling of the lips, tongue and throat.
In serious cases, the crystals may lead to more severe problems such as vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory distress. If your cat has eaten a calla lily, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as the effects can be potentially life-threatening. Therefore, it is best to keep these plants away from cats if possible.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss the potential dangers of calla lilies to cats, what to do if your cat has eaten one, and how to keep them safe. I’ll also offer tips on how to prevent your cat from being exposed to these dangerous plants in the first place. By being aware of the risks, you can help protect your furry friend from accidental poisoning.
Different Studies on Calla Lily Toxicity on Cats
The calla lily is a beautiful flower that is often found in both gardens and homes. However, many people are unaware that this seemingly innocuous flower can be dangerous for cats if ingested. Studies on calla lily toxicity on cats have indicated that it can cause severe reactions, including vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dehydration. In some cases, it may even lead to death.
The active toxic ingredient in the calla lily is calcium oxalate crystals which are found in the leaves and stems of the plant. When ingested by cats, these crystals can cause oral irritation resulting in drooling, pawing at the mouth and loss of appetite.
In order to prevent such reactions from occurring it is important to be aware of the dangers posed by calla lilies when keeping them around cats. The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends not keeping this flower where cats have access to it and if any ingestion does occur then prompt veterinary attention should be sought out immediately.
One study published in Veterinary Medicine International looked at 17 cases of suspected calla lily intoxication over a three year period from 2000-2002. Out of these 17 cases 13 were confirmed with clinical signs consistent with intoxication after consuming parts of the plant or its flowers. Of those 13 cases four were fatal despite early veterinary intervention indicating that prompt medical attention is necessary if ingestion occurs.
Another study conducted by Clemson University showed similar results with 19 out of 22 patients exhibiting clinical signs consistent with intoxication after consuming parts of the calla lily or its flowers while 3 out of those 19 had died due to their ingestion leading researchers to reiterate the need for prompt veterinary attention should any ingestion occur.
Overall studies have shown that ingestion of parts or all of the calla lily by cats can result in serious health concerns and even death if left untreated so it’s important to keep them away from pets when possible or provide close monitoring if access cannot be prevented altogether.
Also Read: Are Canna Lilies Poisonous to Cats? (Must Read)
Which Part of the Calla Lily is Most Toxic to Cats?
The calcium oxalate crystals contained within the stems and leaves of the calla lily are the most toxic part of the plant. When cats ingest them, these crystals can cause irritation and swelling in their mouths, throats and stomachs. In some cases, this can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory distress.
The amount and concentration of these crystals varies based on the age of the plant as well as its growing conditions such as temperature, humidity and light exposure. Ingestion of calla lilies by cats can result in serious health issues even if small amounts are consumed so it is best to avoid any potential exposure altogether.
Diagnosis of Calla Lily Poisoning in Cats
If you think that your cat ate a calla lily, go to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able look at the situation and decide if any medical attention is needed.
You can help the vet by telling them what you think was eaten and how much concentrated calcium oxalate crystals there are based off of changes you see in behavior or physical appearance.
1. Behavioral or Physical Diagnosis
If a cat ingests calla lilies, they may start to experience physical symptoms within an hour or two. However, if they’ve only been exposed to small amounts of toxins, it might take several hours of observation before any behavioral or physical changes are noticeable.
Symptoms of Calla Lilies Poisoning in Cats
I found American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists the following signs as potential symptoms of calla lily poisoning in cats:
| Symptoms | How to Identify? |
|---|---|
| Oral Irritation | Drooling, pawing at the mouth, and loss of appetite. |
| Vomiting | Your cat may vomit foam or food shortly after ingestion. |
| Intense Burning and Irritation of Mouth | Your cat may show signs of distress such as excessive drooling and difficulty eating. |
| Diarrhea | Your cat may have loose or watery stool. |
| Abdominal Pain | Your cat may act uncomfortable or show signs of pain. |
2. Medical Diagnosis
To confirm calla lily poisoning, your veterinarian may perform a series of tests. This could include blood and urine tests to look for signs of toxicity, a physical exam to check for any signs of distress or pain, and an x-ray to rule out other conditions.
Besides, from my experience I have seen that the most accurate way to diagnose calla lily poisoning is through a sample of your cat’s vomit. This can be examined under a microscope to see if there are any trace amounts of the plant’s toxin.
First Aid Treatment for Calla Lily Poisoning in Cats
If your cat has been exposed to calla lilies, the most important thing is to seek veterinary attention immediately. However, there are a few steps that you can take before getting to the vet.
1. Remove Remaining Plant Material
Remove all remaining calla lily parts from the environment, including any that may be stuck in your cat’s fur, mouth or throat. In case you’re confusing how to clean the toxic material here are some tips:
2. Give your Cat Fluids
Giving your cat fluids can help to flush out any toxins from their bodies. Offer them small amounts of water or an electrolyte solution every 10 minutes. But when your cat ingest something your cat won’t drink the water. So here a few tips for giving fluids to an unwilling cat.
3. Provide Comfort and Support
Your cat may be in a lot of pain or distress. To help them feel better, try to provide as much comfort and support as possible. This could include providing a quiet and warm place to rest, keeping them away from other animals, and offering their favorite toys or treats.
These steps can help to ease the symptoms of calla lily poisoning, however, medical attention.
Veterinary Treatments for Calla Lilies Poisoning in Cats
Once you have taken the steps above, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Once your cat is at the vet they will likely perform a physical exam and start treatment right away.
Treatment for calla lilies poisoning will depend on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment may include:
1. Medications (e.g., anti-nausea, anti-inflammatories)
Your vet may prescribe medications to help ease the symptoms of calla lilies poisoning. This could include antacids, anti-nausea medications or anti-inflammatories.
To give you an idea what medicines can be used to treat calla lilies poisoning, here are some examples:
| Medicines | Dosage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Metoclopramide (Reglan) | 0.5–2 mg/kg every 8–12 hours | To treat nausea and vomiting. |
| Famotidine (Pepcid AC) | 0.5–2 mg/kg every 12 hours | To reduce stomach acid and treat gastritis. |
| Prednisone | 0.5–2 mg/kg every 12 hours | To reduce inflammation and pain. |
Disclaimer: Please always consult a veterinarian before giving any medications to your cat. This article is only for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
2. Fluid Therapy
Your vet may also recommend fluid therapy to help flush any toxins from your cat’s body. This could include IV fluids, subcutaneous fluids or oral fluids.
Here’s how each of these treatments work:
3. Other Treatments
Depending on the severity of your cat’s case, your vet may also recommend additional treatments. These could include blood tests, x-rays or ultrasounds.
In severe cases, your vet may recommend surgery to remove any plant material that is still in your cat’s system.
Recovery Stages for Calla Lily Poisoning in Cats
Once your cat is receiving medical treatment, it’s important to monitor their recovery closely. The recovery process will depend on the severity of their symptoms, but here are a few stages you can expect:
1. Improvement in Symptoms
You should start to see an improvement in your cat’s symptoms within the first 24 to 48 hours. This could include less vomiting, diarrhea and pain.
If you don’t notice any improvements after this time period, it’s important to contact your vet right away.
2. Reintroducing Food
Once your cat is feeling better and their symptoms have improved, it’s time to reintroduce food. Start with small amounts of a bland diet and gradually increase the portion size over time.
Your vet may recommend special foods or supplements that can help with their recovery.
3. Resuming Normal Activities
Finally, once your cat is feeling better and the toxins have been flushed from their system, it’s time to resume normal activities. This could include playing with toys, going for walks and interacting with other animals.
It’s important to keep an eye on your cat during this time, as they may still be feeling weak or tired. It’s also a good idea to monitor their appetite and water intake closely.
Prevention Method for Calla Lily Poisoning in Cats
I know once your cat is feeling better, the last thing you want to worry about is them getting poisoned again. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to prevent calla lily poisoning in cats:
1. Limit Access to Calla Lilies
The first and most important step is to limit your cat’s access to calla lilies. Keep them out of reach and make sure they can’t get into any gardens or flower beds with calla lilies.
But how you can actually do this? Here are a few ideas:
2. Use a Deterrent Spray
My second pick would be to use a deterrent spray. These sprays are made with scents that cats don’t like, so they’ll stay away from any plants or flowers.
Just make sure you read the directions carefully before using any of these products, and don’t use them around young children or other pets.
3. Provide Alternative Green Options
Some cats are drawn to plants because they provide a natural source of green. So, why not give your cat an alternative option?
You could try adding some cat grass or other green plants to your home. This will give them something to nibble on, without the risk of poisoning.
4. Monitor While Outside
Finally, if your cat goes outdoors, make sure you’re monitoring them closely. If you notice any signs of vomiting or diarrhea, take your cat to the vet right away. Prompt treatment can help minimize the effects of calla lily poisoning and ensure a full recovery.
My Final Thoughts
Calla lily poisoning in cats can be a very serious condition, so it’s important to take any symptoms seriously and seek prompt medical care.
By taking some preventive steps and monitoring your cat closely, you can help reduce their risk of calla lily poisoning. And if the worst does happen, remember that there is hope for a full recovery.
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of calla lily poisoning and how to prevent it in cats. Good luck!
