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?

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 rendered expediously, the affected cat will go into acute renal failure.

If you observe either cat eating the Easter lily plant or flowers, contact your veterinarian immediately. You will likely be instructed to induce vomiting immediately, and then to take the cat to the veterinarian. The doctor may use a stomach tube to further dilute the stomach contents (gastric lavage) and to pump the stomach. The tube can also be used to instill activated charcoal and a strong laxative. The activated charcoal adsorbs the toxin and is expelled in the feces. The veterinarian will administer intravenous fluids to maintain adequate hydration and to promote urinary flow.

When adequate treatment is given soon enough after ingestion of the Easter lily toxin (generally within six hours), renal failure may be prevented and the cat will have a good prognosis. If treatment is delayed, the cat may go into renal failure. The prognosis in these situations is poor, although dialysis may be life saving.

Your cats probably have a special interest in these plants because they are new. You may want to keep the plants in an area that your cats can't access if they continue to chew them. If you notice any signs of toxicity, see or call your veterinarian immediately for further advice.

09/09/03