Is Peace Lily toxic to cats?

Moderate severity

Yes, Peace Lily is toxic to cats. It can cause real illness, so contact your vet if your pet has been exposed.

Symptoms to watch for

Drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Oral pain
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Upper airway swelling
Difficulty breathing

How vets treat it

Rinse the mouth to remove remaining crystals; monitor for airway swelling and consult a veterinarian if breathing becomes difficult or vomiting persists.

Why it's dangerous

Chewing the plant releases needle-like crystals that penetrate and irritate the oral tissues and gastrointestinal tract. In rare cases, this can lead to upper airway swelling and respiratory distress.

Toxic compound: Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals

Good to know

Unlike true lilies (Easter, Tiger, etc.), the Peace Lily does not cause acute kidney failure in cats. It belongs to the Araceae family.

Sources

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.

The StrawPaw Team · How we prepare our guides

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