As beautiful and serene as some flowers are, they can yield some not so pretty results in pets, including cats. Calla lilies fall into this category. In unsuspecting furry creatures, they often trigger everything from mouth irritation to throwing up -- yikes.
Toxicity
The ASPCA indicates that calla lilies are indeed harmful to cats as well as to dogs. The offending component of calla lilies is its insoluble calcium oxalates. These moderately poisonous chemical compounds also found in plants such as Chinese evergreen and elephant's ear.
Symptoms
If you're concerned that your fluff ball might have gotten her paws on a calla lily or two, be on the lookout for key symptoms of toxicity. These can include problems swallowing, mouth irritation, reduced appetite, a burning sensation inside the mouth and on the tongue, vomiting, mouth pawing and profuse salivation. Upon the first hint of any of these signs, seek veterinary attention for your kitty ASAP.
Other Lilies
Some lilies -- including stargazer lilies, Easter lilies and Japanese lilies -- are so toxic in cats that they can cause kidney damage and even death.
Calla lilies are not legitimate lilies, according to the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association. They usually merely irritate the mouth. Still, keep your pet away from calla lilies. After all, mouth irritation, vomiting and drooling are certainly no party.
Names
Calla lilies go by several names, so don't make any assumptions. Other names for the Calla lily include florist's calla, trumpet lily and arum lily. The better you know these names, the safer your cat will be.
Other Possible Hazards
Never forget that the realm of plants hazardous to kitties extends far beyond lilies. Other potentially dangerous plants include the impala lily, American holly, begonia, azalea, Mexican breadfruit, locust, tulip and spring parsley.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
