Easter Lilies are toxic to kitties! Read on to find out some of the symptoms of ingestion, prevention tips, and treatment administered to help save your loved one!
Signs & Symptoms
Early signs (2-4 hours after ingestion) of lily toxicity in your cat include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
Diagnosis & Treatment
If treatment is administered within 6 hours, chances are good that your kitty will survive. After 18-24 hours, however, the prognosis is not as hopeful, even for cats who receive treatment.
Treatment includes emptying the gastrointestinal tract by getting the affected cat to vomit. Veterinarians may also administer activated charcoal to neutralize the toxins. Intravenous fluid treatment is indicated for at least 48 hours in order to prevent or treat renal (kidney) failure. Your kitty will need to be hospitalized and have his or her blood chemistry and urine values closely monitored to determine if treatment has been successful.
Prevention
The best way to keep your cat safe is to make sure your cat doesn't have Easter lily access to begin with. Don't worry, there are plenty of other beautiful Easter flowers that are safe for your cat, including Easter orchids, daisies, violets, or Easter Cactus.