Skip to main content

Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.

Easter lilies hazardous to cats

Preparing for the Easter holiday may include the display of traditional spring flowers. Dr. Lee warns cat parents of the dangers posed to cats by Easter lilies.

Easter lilies hazardous to cats

Q:I know some spring plants are toxic to cats. Since my cats are inquisitive, what flowers should I avoid this Easter?

A:Don’t decorate with the traditional Easter lily. When ingested by cats, lilies of all types cause kidney failure and sometimes death. Every part of the lily is toxic, as is the water in a vase of lilies. Even the pollen a cat licks off her fur after she brushes by a lily is enough to permanently damage the kidneys.

Avoid daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and paperwhites, which are less toxic but still cause problems. If your cats munch the flowers or leaves, they may lose their appetites and vomit. Chewing on the bulbs causes vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes seizures.

Fortunately, florists offer many beautiful, cat-safe flowers to brighten your holiday, including roses, daisies, sunflowers and orchids, such as the Easter orchid. However, you should always be prepared for any sudden health problems with cat insurance!

Editor’s Note: From asters to zinnias, here is a full list of toxic and non-toxic plants for pets. 


Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine in Pennsylvania. Contact her at askdrlee@insurefigo.com.

  • Instagram logo
  • facebook
  • tiktok
  • Twitter

No one is permitted to sell, solicit or negotiate an insurance policy without a producer license in the state in which the plan is sold, and all prospects should be directed to Figo Pet Insurance. The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state. Coverage underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC), a Delaware Insurance Company, 11333 North Scottsdale Road Suite 160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Live Vet and the Figo Pet Cloud are separate non-insurance services unaffiliated with IAIC. Figo Pet Insurance's California license number is 0K02763.

Copyright © 2015-2023 Figo Pet Insurance LLC. All rights reserved