Wood lily ingestion is exceedingly poisonous to cats and toxicity is frequently deadly. Households and gardens frequented by cats are highly recommended not to preserve this plant or place dried flowers where a cat may brush against them and become powdered with pollen, which they would then swallow while cleaning. Suspected cases necessitate immediate veterinary treatment.
What Is Wood Lily?
The wood lily, also known as the Philadelphia lily, prairie lily, or western red lily, is a perennial lily endemic to North America. The stalk of the wood lily reaches 1-3 feet and is capped by erect, cup-shaped, purple-spotted, red-orange blooms. 1-5 funnel-shaped blooms on an upright stem with whorled leaves, generally crimson to orange with purplish-brown markings. Each plant normally has one to four blooms.
Wood lily’s leaves are long and slender, grouped in whorls. They are thin elliptic to linear in shape, stalkless, and have pointy ends and parallel veins. The surfaces are smooth, and the bottom has a lighter tint. The leaves are alternate, with at least one whorl of three to six towards the stem’s apex.
Clinical Signs of Wood Lily Poisoning in Cats
Similar to other kinds of lilies, wood lily poisoning in cats will typically develop quickly. Symptoms usually show within six to twelve hours after your cat has been exposed. Signs to watch for may include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Excessive urination or lack of urination
- Disorientation
- Inability to walk
- Seizures
- Ulcerated gums
First Aid and Treatment of Wood Lily Poisoning in Cats
If your cat is exhibiting potentially fatal symptoms, the veterinarian will initially attempt to stabilize his or her health. Your cat will be given medications to aid with nausea and fluids to help with renal function through IV.
When your cat is no longer in critical condition, the vet will remove any remaining dangerous substances from the stomach. To accomplish this, your vet will induce vomiting in your cat.
Rapid treatment with activated charcoal and/or forced vomiting can limit the amount of poison absorbed. Large volumes of fluid through IV can lessen kidney damage and raise the chances of the cat’s survival.
Recovery from Wood Lily Poisoning in Cats
When lily poisoning is detected early, your cat has an excellent chance of recovery. Poisoning can cause long-term or short-term organ damage in some animals. These disorders can be treated with specific drugs and regular blood tests at your veterinarian’s clinic. Unfortunately, lilies are extremely poisonous, and severe instances can result in major health problems and even death.
Prevention of Wood Lily Poisoning in Cats
Be cautious when purchasing or accepting flower bouquets. Ensure that the bouquet does not include lilies and any other toxic plants that can cause harm to your cats. It is best to do your research and be familiarized with poisonous plants for cats.
If you love plants but have cats at home, check out these lists:
