Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
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.
Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the world's premier veterinary schools. Founded in 1884, the School was built on the concept of Many Species, One Medicine™. The birthplace of veterinary specialties, the School serves a distinctly diverse array of animal patients, from pets to horses to farm animals at our two campuses. In Philadelphia, on Penn's campus, are the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital for companion animals, as well as classrooms, laboratories and the School's administrative offices. The large-animal facility, New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, Pa., encompasses hospital facilities for the care of horses and food animals as well as diagnostic laboratories serving the agriculture industry. The School has successfully integrated scholarship and scientific discovery with all aspects of veterinary medical education.
Visit us on-line at www.vet.upenn.edu