Lilies Can Poison Your Cat
A common flower that you might have in your home right now can prove toxic to your cat. Lilies are very dangerous for our feline friends! And cats that ingest only a small bit of the flower can experience toxic effects. Below, learn more about lily poisoning in cats as your vet Aurora, CO elaborates.
What causes lily poisoning?
Surprisingly, it’s not known for certain what element in the lily plant is toxic for pets. It seems to affect only cats, but it's safest to keep all pets away from lilies. And take note that every part of the lily plant—the leaves, petals, stem, and the pollen from the flower—can be toxic. Your veterinarian Aurora, CO can tell you more about the way these toxic flowers affect cats.
Any type of lily could be toxic to a cat. Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, Day lilies, Stargazer lilies, and other common varieties is usually the culprit in a case of poisoning. Ask your veterinary clinic Aurora, CO about the particular type of lilies you might have in or around your home.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of lily poisoning in cats include loss of appetite, dehydration, depression, vomiting, and diarrhea. If a cat isn’t treated quickly, acute renal failure (kidney failure) can occur. That can even lead to sudden death if your pet clinic Aurora, CO isn’t contacted to intervene. That’s why quick action is of the essence, as is the case in any episode of poisoning.
How is a cat treated for lily poisoning?
Rush your cat to your veterinary clinic Aurora, CO if you know or suspect that she’s ingested part of a lily plant. If you can, bring a sample of the plant with you to the vet’s office to help aid in diagnosis.
Your animal hospital Aurora, CO might administer activated charcoal, which slows the absorption of the toxic agent in your cat’s stomach. A stomach lavage (flushing the stomach) might also be needed. Intravenous fluids can help to prevent or reverse dehydration and restore your cat’s electrolyte levels. If a cat’s kidneys have already failed, they’ll need to be put on dialysis.
A cat who is treated within the first few hours of poisoning by a lily plant has the greatest chance of a full recovery. That’s why it’s important to take your pet to your pet clinic Aurora, CO as soon as possible.
How can lily poisoning be prevented?
It goes without saying that you’ll want to have your cat avoid lily poisoning if at all possible. Luckily, this is as simple as restricting Fluffy’s access to lilies of all types, as well as other plants and flowers that might be toxic. Check your garden and landscaping, as well as bouquets and floral arrangements inside your home. Remove lilies if necessary. Ask your veterinarians Aurora, CO about other easy ways to make sure your cat doesn’t come into contact with harmful plant life.
Of course, lilies aren’t the only danger out there. Talk to the professionals at your veterinary clinic Aurora CO to obtain a full list of toxic plants and flowers. And ask about other harmful substances you might have in your home. That’s the best way to keep your cat safe!
