Why it's dangerous
The plant contains bitter-tasting saponins throughout its structure that cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion.
Toxic compound: saponins
How vets treat it
The vet will first confirm that the plant is an 'imposter' lily such as agapanthus and not a true lily, because true lilies need kidney-protecting treatment. There is no specific treatment for agapanthus: the vet treats whatever signs your cat shows.
Outlook
The outlook is usually good when a cat eats a small amount. Agapanthus does not cause the acute kidney failure that true lilies cause in cats, and LSU's veterinary school considers it probably of minimal toxicity unless a lot is eaten. No source gives a recovery time for cats.
Where pets are exposed
- Agapanthus (genus Agapanthus), also called lily of the Nile, African lily or African blue lily. It has long, strap-shaped leaves and clusters of blue or white flowers on tall stems.
- Gardens, especially in mild and Mediterranean-type climates, where it grows in clumps from fleshy underground stems called rhizomes.
- Pots indoors, in places where winters are too cold to grow it outside.
- Dogs and cats that like to chew plants are the most likely to eat it.
- Its 'lily' names cause mix-ups with true lilies. Many plants are called lilies, and only true lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) cause kidney failure in cats.
Prevention
- If your dog or cat chews plants, move agapanthus out of its reach or out of your home.
- Learn a plant's scientific name, not just its 'lily' common name. Many plants are called lilies, and only true lilies threaten cats' kidneys.
- For cats, keep hazardous plants out of the house, especially if you have kittens or indoor-only cats.
- After gardening, don't leave clippings or dug-up plants where your cat can reach them. Agapanthus grows from rhizomes, and the bulbs, rhizomes and roots can be the most hazardous parts of some plants.
Good to know
This plant is not a member of the Lilium species and does not cause acute kidney failure.
Common questions
Is agapanthus poisonous to dogs?
Sources consider it low risk. LSU's veterinary school says agapanthus is probably of minimal toxicity unless a lot is eaten, and Pet Poison Helpline lists vomiting and drooling as the main signs. No source gives dog-specific data or a toxic amount. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your dog eats some.
Is agapanthus poisonous to cats?
It is mildly toxic. Pet Poison Helpline says it contains bitter saponins that cause vomiting and drooling. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your cat eats some, and make sure the plant was agapanthus and not a true lily.
Is lily of the Nile a true lily? Can it cause kidney failure in cats?
No. Lily of the Nile (agapanthus) is not a true lily, and it does not cause the kidney failure that true lilies cause in cats. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists it among the 'imposter' lilies. Only true lilies (Lilium species, such as Easter and tiger lilies) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) cause kidney failure in cats. The names are easy to mix up, so if you aren't sure which plant your cat ate, treat it as an emergency and ask your vet to confirm it.
What should I do if my pet chewed my agapanthus?
Call your vet or a pet poison line, and keep the plant or its label on hand so they can confirm what it is. Don't try to make a cat vomit at home. If there is any chance your cat ate a true lily or daylily instead, treat it as an emergency.
Which part of agapanthus is most harmful to pets?
Sources don't agree. Pet Poison Helpline says saponins are found throughout the plant. NC State's plant database, which isn't specific to pets, lists the sap and, for one species, the leaves as the poisonous parts. If your pet chews plants, keep the whole plant out of its reach.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals
- Pet Poison Helpline — Elaine (Poison List: Plants)
- Pet Poison Helpline — Lilies Toxic To Pets (Lilies, Lilies and More Lilies)
- Pet Poison Helpline — No Lilies for Kitties
- Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine — Agapanthus
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Agapanthus
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Agapanthus praecox
- International Cat Care — Poisonous Plants
- Pet Poison Helpline
This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
