Is Tiger Lily Toxic to Cats?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Severe

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Yes — tiger lily is a true lily and one of the deadliest plants a cat can touch. Petals, leaves, pollen and even vase water can trigger fatal kidney failure.

Also known as: Devil Lily, Orange Lily, Lancifolium Lily · Lilium lancifolium

What makes it toxic

An unidentified nephrotoxin present in all tissues of true lilies (genus Lilium). Astonishingly small amounts — a bite of one leaf, groomed-off pollen or a lick of vase water — can shut down a cat’s kidneys. Dogs do not share this sensitivity, which makes tiger lily a strictly cat-specific emergency.

Warning signs to watch for

Early signs 2–6 hours after exposure: drooling, vomiting, appetite loss and depression. Within 12–72 hours: increased thirst, urination changes, dehydration, tremors and kidney failure.

What to do if your cat eats it

This is a drop-everything emergency. Go to a vet or animal ER immediately even if the cat seems fine — aggressive IV fluids started within 18 hours can prevent kidney failure, and waiting for symptoms can be fatal.

Common questions

Is tiger lily really as deadly as Easter lily for cats?

Yes. Both are true Lilium species, and cats of every age have died from tiny exposures. Some sources claim only the pollen is dangerous — do not gamble on that; treat the whole plant and its water as lethal.

My cat only brushed against the lily — is that a problem?

It can be. Pollen on the fur gets groomed off and swallowed, and that exposure route has caused fatal kidney failure. Bathe the cat and call a vet immediately.

Can treated (cut) tiger lilies in a bouquet still hurt my cat?

Yes — cut stems, fallen stamens and the vase water are all dangerous. Keeping true lilies in a home with cats is widely advised against for this reason.

More plants checked for cats

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves or vines releases sharp calcium oxalate crystal Aloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to cats. The gel is famously soothing for human skin, bu Spider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to cats. They are one of the best houseplants for homes with cur Easter Lily☠️ ToxicYes — and this is one of the most dangerous plants a cat can meet. Every part of an Easter lily,Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to cats and among the deadliest houseplants. Every part contai Boston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to cats — a classic choice for plant-loving cat households.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.