Peace lilies are commonly used as indoor plants because they require little care and have a distinctive appearance. While this is an attractive plant to place on patios, particularly in summer, peace lilies are known to be toxic to cats. However, most cats will only consume a small number of peace lilies. This is because eating the plant can cause painful mouth irritation, thus, making severe poisonings uncommon.
Because the peace lily is not a genuine lily, it does not have the same toxicity effect as plants from the Liliaceae family. The leaves, stems, and blooms of the peace lily contain insoluble calcium oxalates that adhere to the oral and esophageal tissue of the animal that consumes them. The plant uses this as a defense strategy because the crystals piercing the mouth cavity induce pain and inflammation. Although most toxic reactions are moderate, breathing may become difficult if swelling of the throat develops.
What Is Peace Lily?
Peace Lilies, also known as Mauna Loa Peace Lilies, are evergreen perennials with upright white blossoms with a curving shape. The peace lily plants can grow to be three feet tall. Though most Peace Lily plants have emerald-green leaves, some have stripes or small flecks of cream in the center. A thick, yellow spadix is surrounded by large, white flower-like leaves, and the blossoms last for a long time.
Spathiphyllum is a genus of evergreen herbaceous perennial plants belonging to the Araceae family and endemic to tropical America and Southeast Asia, with roughly 47 species. This plant, which is also called peace lily, grows best in the shadow and requires minimal sunshine to thrive.
Clinical Signs of Peace Lily Poisoning in Cats
The symptoms that a cat may exhibit are dependent on the amount of peace lily plant that he has consumed. Among these clinical signs are:
- Drooling
- pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Inflammation of the mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dysphagia
- Dyspnea
- Pupils dilated
- Abnormalities in the heart
- Seizures
- Coma
First Aid and Treatment of Peace Lily Poisoning in Cats
There is no cure for peace lily poisoning. Symptoms will be managed and treated as they arise. The cat’s vital functions should be stabilized as soon as possible.
The veterinarian’s usual treatment routine may include washing the cat’s oral cavity, intravenous fluid therapy, and the prescription of medications such as antihistamines and stomach protectants.
Recovery from Peace Lily Poisoning in Cats
The majority of cats heal completely and with no long-term consequences, owing to the fact that cats do not consume large amounts of the peace lily plant. Symptoms of peace lily toxicity typically resolve within 12 to 24 hours of treatment.
Prevention of Peace Lily Poisoning in Cats
As a responsible cat parent, you should research the poisonous plants that can harm your feline babies. Keep in mind the names and appearances of these plants, as well as the effects they can have on a cat. The most efficient way to protect your cat from peace lilies and other harmful plants is to keep him indoors.
If you love plants but have cats at home, check out these lists:
