Easter Sunday…
A time when Christians around the world come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus when he rose from the dead as described in the New Testament. Many people celebrate this holiday by going to Church, giving out Easter Baskets, having “Easter Egg Hunts”, and spending time with family. And although this is a happy time of year, for us pet lovers, it can be especially dangerous.
Besides all the chocolate that could potentially kill your dog, there’s something else that’s so poisonous to your cat that even a small amount could kill them. And that item is Easter Lilies…
Why this plant is so dangerous…
Easter Lilies are one of the most popular flowers given during Easter, but what most people don’t know is that they’re deadly poisonous to cats. In fact, all parts of the plant are poisonous including the leaves, pollen, and even the water in the vase! Just ingesting a small amount can cause severe kidney damage or failure in them. And unfortunately, there is no known antidote for Easter lilies.
Why makes Easter Lilies poisonous to Cats?
This is because they contain a “cocktail” of toxic substances. The Easter Lily is a member of the Liliaceae family, which includes other toxic plants such as the Tiger Lily, Daylily, and Amaryllis. But no matter which type of Lilly you have, ALL parts of the plant are considered poisonous… with the most toxic part being the Easter lily bulb. When Easter lilies are ingested, they can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea in cats. And that’s just for starters. More serious cases can lead to kidney failure and even death. So be EXTRA CAREFUL with your pets during this time of year.
What to do if your cat ingests any part of the plant.
If you think your cat has ingested any part of an Easter lily, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately! The sooner they’re seen, the better their chances of surviving. If you have any leftover lily plants in your house, make sure to keep them out of reach or get rid of them completely. And next Easter, instead of giving Easter Lilies, try giving a different type of flower that won’t put your beloved feline friend in danger.
Easter is a wonderful time to celebrate and be with family, but let’s not forget our furry friends during this holiday. By being aware of the dangers Easter lilies pose to cats, we can help prevent any accidents from happening, and keep our cats safe and healthy for years to come.
What are some other dangers Easter poses to pets? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy Easter!
P.S.
If you think your dog has gotten into your Easter basket and ingested some chocolate (even a tiny amount), or if you suspect your cat has gotten hold of ANY part of ANY Lily plant, take them to your nearest Vet immediately!
…Or if you’re in the Mt.Olivet area, be sure to bring them to our facility as quickly as possible! Click Here for the details.