Why it is dangerous to cats
Lily of the valley contains substances that act on the heart and upset its rhythm. Every part of the plant is dangerous: the leaves, the flowers, the red berries and even the water a bouquet stood in.
At first the cat may vomit, drool and have diarrhoea; later the heart can be affected: the cat weakens, becomes dull and may collapse. How much of the plant does harm cannot be judged at home.
If your cat may have chewed lily of the valley or drunk from the vase, contact a vet or an emergency clinic straight away, even if it seems well. Take a photo or a piece of the plant with you.
What to watch out for
- Vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea can follow.
- The heart rhythm can be upset: the cat weakens, becomes dull and may collapse.
- Lily of the valley sold in bouquets is dangerous too, and so is the water it stood in.
- It grows in the shade in gardens and woods, so a cat that goes outdoors can reach it.
Which parts are dangerous
Not every part of the plant is equally dangerous.
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Leaves and flowers
DangerousThey contain substances that act on the heart, so even a small bitten-off piece is dangerous.
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Berries
DangerousThe red berries that ripen in late summer are poisonous too.
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Vase water
DangerousPoisonous substances pass into the water a bouquet stood in.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
Safe plants instead
Plants that are safer to keep.