No, the Peruvian lily or Lily of the Incas is not toxic to cats. Peruvian lily does not have poisonous elements that can cause negative effects on our feline pals. It is also listed by ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) as a non-toxic plant for cats.
You can safely grow Peruvian lilies at home even if you are living with cats. But, you should still be mindful if your cat has ingested a Peruvian lily.
Can Cats Eat Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas?
Cats can eat a small portion of a Peruvian lily and not feel anything wrong. You should be concerned if your cat has eaten a generous amount of the plant. Whether it is a Peruvian lily or a different plant, cats should not eat excessive amounts of plants.
Felines are obligate carnivores, with stomachs incapable of metabolizing plant matter. Eating too many plants may cause indigestion and other symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. If this happens, don’t worry; the ailment will go away as soon as the plant materials are removed from the cat’s body.
What is a Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas?
Scientifically known as Alstroemeria, Peruvian lily is a flowering plant genus in the Alstroemeriaceae family. It is also commonly known as the Lily of the Incas. They are all South American natives, however, some species have naturalized in the United States, Mexico, and Australia.
Peruvian lilies develop from a clump of tubers. They send up both fertile and sterile stems, with some species’ fertile stems reaching 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in height. The leaves alternately resupinate and are twisted on the petioles such that the undersides face up. The form of the leaves varies, and the blades have smooth edges.
Peruvian lily flowers can be solitary or in umbels. The flower has six petals, each measuring up to 5 centimeters (2.0 inches). They occur in a variety of red, orange, purple, green, and white hues, flecked, striped, and streaked with darker hues.
Keeping Cats Away From Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas
You may use repellent sprays to dissuade your cats from getting near your plants. There are a variety of highly scented items on the market that might cause your cat to sneeze if it goes too close, or you can manufacture your own using a common home ingredient.
A mixture of water and strongly fragrant scent (such as lavender or citrus) can work well, while a puree of garlic in water can be used for a similar but more pungent effect. You may also experiment with combining water with vinegar or citrus juices. Be cautious though with the ingredients you will use. Make sure to research well as some elements may affect your plants.
Plants to Avoid For Your Cats
If you are a cat owner and unsure if the plants growing in your yard are harmful to your cats, check out this list of toxic plants for cats. You can also check our list of non-toxic plants for cats.
