Easter Lilies have been a tradition for years. They’re very pretty, but they’re one of the most poisonous plants to cats. All parts of the plant are poisonous – leaves, stems, pollen, petals. Just a small amount of the pollen (that can land on your cat’s fur and can be ingested during grooming) can be fatal. All Lilies, not just Easter Lilies, can cause severe kidney damage.
Symptoms of toxicity generally appear within six to twelve hours. These symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Some cats may become disoriented, stagger and experience seizures. As kidney failure develops, the symptoms worsen. What should you do if your cat ingested a Lily? Immediately get her to the vet, even if you just suspect ingestion. The longer treatment is delayed, the less likely recovery is. And we don’t want that!
Prevention is the best medicine. Lilies are Mother’s favorite flowers, but she’ll never have them in the house – it’s just not worth it! Safe alternatives are Easter orchids, daisies, violets, or Easter Cactus. And if you’re going to visit someone for the holiday, please make sure to bring a kitty safe plant.
That’s right, Lola. Pet parents should make sure their cats are safe from other Easter dangers. The plastic grass that is almost always in a basket is a threat to cat safety. We cats love “stringy” things, and that grass looks like string. If we eat it, it can become entangled in our intestines and cause a blockage. And let’s not forget what else is in those baskets: small toys, foil covered candies, ribbons, bows, etc. All things not good for kitty. I strongly suggest you give your small humans a basket with kitty safe treats. Who needs chocolate when you’ve got Temptations? Just in case your little one doesn’t go for Temptations, make sure the baskets are out of your cat’s reach, and make sure all garbage cans are tightly covered.
Just a few changes can make Easter safe and happy for everyone!
I want to know… do your kitties get an Easter basket?
Sources:
Pet Poison Helpline
Showcats Online
Thank you for such an interesting post. Peep had never thought about that grass being a risk too, and the orchid was a brilliant alternative to give as a present. Thank you
ReplyDeleteWe're gettin Easter presents dis year. I ate some Easter grass my first year - I wuz ok, but momma will never think of it da same way after she saw it waving out my bootie.
ReplyDeleteMy human loves lilies too, but will never, ever have them in the house. In fact, when we are out and about, she keeps an eye on all the vegetation I am around! She doesn't even like me to be in the general vicinity of anything remotely lily-looking! And in the spring, she wipes me down after we come in from being outdoors to get rid of any pollen because who knows where it came from?
ReplyDeleteShe is a little bit paranoid!
These are great reminders! Our mom never has any kind of plants or flowers in the house - even if they aren't toxic to us. She is just paranoid because Carmine like to eat flowers, and she'd rather be safe than sorry.
ReplyDeletethank you for the important reminder. Every year since about 2010 or so I post a true story on the blog (it will probably go up on Friday) about a cat that died from having chewed an Easter Lily...........it is a tradition I have every year. Glad you posted about it too because it seems that many are quite unaware of the dire consequences. catchatwithcarenandcody
ReplyDeleteL & L....a grate post two day.... thanx for sharin it....all BURD jokes a side, we due knot get easturr baskits; but we MAY get a wee bit oh ham if sum iz cooked { hint...hint food servizz peepulz } ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! Yes, it is very important to keep Easter lilies away from us cats. Our mom received some beautiful flowers for her birthday on Saturday, and she had to put them up away where none of us (especially Merlin) can get at them.
ReplyDeletePawsum posty girls. Dat's sum great advice. We don't do Easter baskets 'round here, but me wuldn't mind some extra treats. MOL
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi
What a great post with very important information! We keep next to no plants in our house, because certain kitties just love them too much. Thanks for sharing this great post! Purrs!
ReplyDeletePawsum posty girls. Dat's sum great advice. We don't do Easter baskets 'round here, but me wuldn't mind some extra treats. MOL
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi
Thanks for the reminder about lilies, Lexy. We don't usually get Easter baskets, but the mom says maybe this year we'll get one to share. Yipee!
ReplyDeleteSuch important information. You graphics are beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, so many hazards at Easter. I line the kitty Easter basket with tissue paper- safe and cats love it :) If I had thought of it sooner, I would ave planted some grass for them.
ReplyDeleteThe head peep's favorite flower is the stargazer lily, but she gave them up for us. Lilies of all kinds aren't worth the risk. Thanks for spreading the word!
ReplyDeleteYes, we get an Easter Basket. Mom never brings real plants into the house. Keeping people informed of the bad and dangerous plants is a really good thing to do.
ReplyDeleteThe Florida Furkids
Thank you for posting this information! It is so needed especially at this time of year!
ReplyDeleteOn the off chance that pesticides are connected to the base sheets and after that your youngster toys are on the floor, those toys and now your tyke playing with them are currently in danger of synthetic introduction.חוק איסור הלבנת הון
ReplyDelete