Beware of Easter Lilies for Your Cats

With Easter just around the corner, many homes will be decorated with flowers to celebrate the holiday and the coming of spring. However, it’s important to be cautious when it comes to what types of flowers you choose to display, especially if you have cats in your home, as many can be toxic.

Though lilies are one of the most popular choices for floral arrangements, ingesting even a small amount—whether petal, leaf, pollen, or even the water in the vase—can cause severe kidney failure in cats, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

In addition to lilies, other common Easter flowers such as tulips and daffodils can also be toxic, containing substances that can cause gastrointestinal issues, drooling, or even organ damage.

To keep your pets safe this Easter, consider opting for pet-friendly flowers, such as roses with the thorns and petals removed, or sunflowers to add a pop of color to your Easter floral arrangement.

Cat grass, such as wheatgrass or oat grass, is also safe for cats to eat, and can be a helpful distraction from any flowers you don’t want your pets getting into.

If you do choose to have lilies or other toxic plants in your home, make sure they are kept in a location that is inaccessible to your pets. And if you suspect that your cat has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin is your local, privately owned and operated 24-hour emergency clinic. We are open 365 days a year, including all major holidays, nights, and weekends. Find us online at www.evcot.com or call at 503-691-7922.