PHILADELPHIA—With Easter rapidly approaching, the veterinarians at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine would like to remind you that Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats, with the potential for causing kidney failure. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous, so please keep these plants away from cats. Lilies dangerous to cats include:

• Easter lily
• Tiger lily
• Rubrum lily
• Japanese show lily
• Day lily

A cat may vomit, lose its appetite or become lethargic within a few hours of eating a dangerous plant. If this happens, see your veterinarian immediately.

Also, do not give your pets onions, macadamia nuts or alcohol -- they are toxic to both dogs and cats. And never feed your pets chocolate, as it contains the heart stimulant theobromine, which can cause a severe heart arrhythmias or seizures if ingested in large doses.

More Information

Dr. Lisa Murphy, Assistant Professor of Toxicology, will be on KYW Newsradio
Dr. Lisa Murphy, Assistant Professor of Toxicology, will be interviewed on KYW Newsradio Saturday, April 11th, 2009.  Dr. Murphy will discuss Easter lilies and other Easter hazards such as chocolate, Easter grass, strings on hams, raisins, onions, etc.