are peace lilies dangerous for cats

Are Peace Lilies Dangerous for Cats?

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If you’re a cat owner and you’re considering getting a peace lily plant for your home, you may want to think again. Peace Lilies can be very dangerous for your cat.

While peace lilies are a popular and beautiful houseplant, they can be toxic to cats if ingested. In this blog post, we will be discussing the potential dangers of peace lilies for cats, and what you can do to keep your feline friends safe.

It’s important to be aware of the potential risks of having plants in your home, especially if you have pets.

While many plants can be safe for cats, some can be toxic and cause serious health problems if ingested. Peace lilies, in particular, can be harmful to cats, so it’s important to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions.

Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of peace lilies for cats, and what you can do to keep your furry friends safe.

Why Peace Lilies are Dangerous to Cats?

Peace Lilies are toxic to cats.

Rather than the Lily using a poison to deter those who would eat it, the cells in the stem and leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals contained in packs, that when chewed/ingested by your cat are released in to their system.

They then become embedded in your cats mouth and oesophageal tissue causing pain swelling and inflammation. A bit like a stinging nettles hairs.

They will cause severe burning and irritation in your cats mouth, lips and tongue, with symptoms like difficulty swallowing, vomiting, excessive drooling and increased salivation.

Luckily Peace Lilies are not true lilies, they do not cause damage to the kidneys and liver like other true lilies. And, they are not considered deadly to cats, but can still cause injury.

In very extreme cases where inflammation/swelling is severe your cat can struggle to breath this is obviously very serious and needs immediate vet attention.

Which Part of Peace Lilies are Dangerous to Cats?

No part of the plant should be eaten by cats. All parts of the plant contain the calcium oxalate crystals that will cause your cat harm.

What are the Symptoms if your Cat Eats a Peace Lily?

Your cat may exhibit symptoms such as:

  • Swollen lips and tongue
  • Difficulty swallowing food
  • Vomiting
  • Increased salivation or excessive drooling
  • Not behaving like their usual self

What Should You Should If Your Cat Eats a Peace Lily?

First of all don’t panic, as mentioned the Peace Lily is not fatal, but your cat may need your help:

If you find your cat chowing down on a Peace Lily, remove all of the chewed parts from their mouth and any leftovers around the plant (easier said than done) Clean their face and exposed part of their paws just in case.

Observe your cat for around 2- 3 hours after ingesting any plant matter, hopefully your cat will shrug it off or be lucky and not be effected.

Make sure they have plenty of cold water to drink and encourage drinking by taking your cat to the water or the water to your cat. Especially if they have been sick as this can leave your cat dehydrated.

Contacting your vet is the best option, most cases your cat would have eaten a small about and have minor effects from it. They may have these adverse effects for a couple of hours so no need to panic.

Your vet will be able to give advice over the phone and if needs be as you to bring your cat in for observation.

Why Do Cats Try To Eat Peace Lilies?

Cats eat plants, they do, there’s not much else to it.

Cats may be drawn to peace lilies because they are attracted to the plant’s long leaves, which have a glossy, smooth texture. They may also be attracted to the plant because it is tall and may provide a sense of security to the cat.

Some say it’s to help with digestion or to help bring up something that doesn’t sit in their stomach too well.

Sometimes your cat is just playing and ripping the leaves up – my cat does this with my Monsterra all the time, just for the sake of it.

If you cat has a habit of doing this with your peace lily, you should start being proactive in keeping your cat away from the plant all together. This may mean that you find a safe and suitable new location for it or remove it all together.

How To Keep Your Cat Away From Your Peace Lily

Keeping cats away from things they want is a difficult game.

We recommend putting plants that are harmful to cats up and out of the way, such as on a shelf that is way out of jumping range.

Alternatively, you can put your peace lily in a room that your cats do not frequent.

The best way to keep your cat safe is to not buy Lilies when you have cats.

Here are some more tips to help you keep your cat away from your peace lily:

  1. Keep the plant out of reach. The easiest way to keep your cat away from your peace lily is to simply keep the plant out of their reach. This might mean placing the plant on a high shelf or in a room that your cat doesn’t have access to.
  2. Use a plant stand or hanger. Another option is to use a plant stand or hanger to raise the peace lily off the ground. This will make it more difficult for your cat to get to the plant, and it will also keep the plant away from curious paws.
  3. Cover the soil with rocks or gravel. Cats are often drawn to the soil around plants, so covering the soil with rocks or gravel can help to deter them. This will make the area less appealing to your cat, and it will also help to keep the soil moist and healthy for the plant.
  4. Use a natural deterrent. If your cat is still trying to get to the peace lily, you can try using a natural deterrent such as citrus peels or apple cider vinegar. Cats are often repelled by these scents, so placing them near the plant can help to keep your cat away.

Overall, keeping your cat away from your peace lily is important for the health and safety of both your cat and the plant. By using these tips and being vigilant, you can help to prevent your cat from getting too close to the plant.

Related: Best Cat Tracking Devices 2023

Are Peace Lilies Poisonous For Other Pets?

Any pet that may attempt to eat a Lily is at risk of the same outcome as cats.

If another one of your pets has eaten any part of a peace lily, they may experience similar symptoms. It’s important that you speak to a veterinarian or animal healthcare specialist as your earliest opportunity.

Conclusion: Are Peace Lilies Dangerous for Cats?

YES, peace lilies can be dangerous for cats if ingested.

While the plants themselves are not toxic, the sap and pollen can cause irritation and other problems for cats.

If you own a peace lily and you have a cat, it’s important to keep the plant out of your cat’s reach, and to monitor them carefully when they are near the plant. If you notice any signs of illness or distress in your cat, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Fortunately, there are many other beautiful, non-toxic plants that you can choose for your home if you have a cat.

By doing some research and selecting plants that are safe for cats, you can enjoy the beauty of plants in your home without risking your cat’s health.

Thanks for reading, and we hope you found this information helpful!

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