If eaten, are Easter lilies and peace lilies toxic to cats?
Q: “We received two large plants, one a peace lily, the other an Easter lily, which intrigue my two cats. They have been gently chewing on the ends of the leaves. Could this be dangerous?” A: Yes, both are toxic. The peace lily, or Spathiphyllum patinii, is a type of houseplant that contains oxalates. Oxalates cause toxicity in animals, including cats, by causing the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the animal’s vital organs. Signs of toxicity may include excessive salivation, head shaking, pawing at the mouth, difficult breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fortunately, the peace lily plant causes pain and irritation of the oral cavity when chewed and therefore animals rarely eat enough to cause severe problems. The Easter lily, which is actually several different species of the plant genus Lilium, is toxic to cats and possibly to other animals as well. The specific toxin has not been chemically identified. However, within one to two days after ingestion, unless treatment is rend
