Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are stunning houseplants with lush green leaves and elegant white blooms, but they pose a hidden risk for cat owners. These popular indoor plants are toxic to cats, and understanding the dangers, symptoms, and solutions is vital to keeping your feline friend safe. This guide explores whether peace lilies are toxic to cats, what happens if a cat eats one, the symptoms to watch for, and which parts of the plant are poisonous, so you can act fast and protect your pet.
What to Do If Cat Eats Peace Lily?
If your cat eats a peace lily, rinse its mouth with water, offer milk or yogurt, and contact a vet immediately.
If your cat nibbles on a peace lily, quick action can reduce discomfort and prevent worse outcomes. Here’s what to do:
- Remove Plant Material: Gently clear any plant bits from your cat’s mouth if safe.
- Rinse the Mouth: Use a damp cloth or a small amount of water to rinse out the mouth, easing irritation.
- Soothe with Dairy: Offer milk or yogurt to dilute the toxins and calm the burning sensation (if your cat will take it).
- Call a Vet: Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435 in USA) right away, even if symptoms seem mild.
- Monitor Closely: Watch for signs like vomiting or breathing trouble, and follow vet advice.
Speed is key—calcium oxalate crystals cause instant irritation, so don’t wait to seek help.
Peace Lily Cats Symptoms
Symptoms of peace lily ingestion in cats include drooling, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
When a cat eats a peace lily, the calcium oxalate crystals in the plant trigger immediate irritation. Common symptoms include:
- Excessive Drooling: From mouth and throat irritation.
- Vomiting: As the body tries to expel the toxin.
- Pawing at the Mouth: Due to burning or stinging sensations.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Caused by swelling or pain in the throat.
- Reduced Appetite: From nausea or discomfort.
Symptoms usually start within minutes to hours and can last up to 24 hours. In rare cases, severe swelling might affect breathing, making vet care urgent.
| Symptom | Cause | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Drooling | Oral irritation | Hours to a day |
| Vomiting | GI upset | Hours |
| Pawing at Mouth | Burning sensation | Minutes to hours |
| Difficulty Swallowing | Throat swelling | Hours |
| Reduced Appetite | Nausea | Up to 24 hours |
Peace Lily Toxic to Cats ASPCA
Yes, the ASPCA lists peace lilies as toxic to cats due to calcium oxalate crystals, causing irritation but not fatal kidney damage.
The ASPCA confirms peace lilies are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, but they’re not as deadly as true lilies (Lilium or Hemerocallis species). Unlike true lilies, which cause kidney failure, peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach when chewed. The ASPCA notes symptoms like drooling and vomiting but emphasizes that fatalities are rare. Still, they recommend keeping peace lilies out of reach and contacting their poison control hotline (1-888-426-4435) if ingestion occurs.
Insight: ASPCA vs. True Lily Confusion
- True lilies (e.g., Easter lilies) are lethal to cats, targeting kidneys.
- Peace lilies are milder, causing only irritation, not organ failure.
What Part of Peace Lily Is Poisonous to Cats?
All parts of the peace lily—leaves, stems, flowers, and roots—are poisonous to cats due to calcium oxalate crystals.
Every part of the peace lily contains calcium oxalate crystals, making the entire plant toxic:
- Leaves: Most often chewed, causing instant irritation.
- Stems: Less commonly eaten but equally harmful.
- Flowers: The white spathes can tempt curious cats, delivering toxins.
- Roots: Rarely accessed but dangerous if dug up.
No part is safe—chewing releases the crystals, which embed in tissues and cause pain. Keeping the whole plant away from cats is the safest bet.
| Plant Part | Toxicity Level | Common Cat Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | High | Chewing |
| Stems | High | Biting |
| Flowers | High | Nibbling |
| Roots | High | Digging (rare) |
Additional Tips to Protect Your Cat
- Placement: Keep peace lilies on high shelves or in cat-free rooms.
- Deterrents: Spray leaves with diluted lemon juice—cats dislike the taste.
- Alternatives: Offer cat-safe plants like cat grass or spider plants.
- Watchfulness: Monitor curious cats around houseplants.
Conclusion
Peace lilies may beautify your home, but they’re toxic to cats, with all parts containing calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation. If your cat eats one, act fast—rinse its mouth, offer relief, and call a vet. Symptoms like drooling and vomiting are telltale signs, and while the ASPCA notes they’re not fatal like true lilies, caution is still key. Protect your cat by keeping peace lilies out of reach, and enjoy your greenery worry-free!