Curiosity about lilies can actually kill a cat The lily of the valley (Convallaria species) pictured here contains cardiotoxins that affect heartbeat, whereas true lilies (Lilium species) and daylilies (Hemerocallis species) can cause acute kidney failure in cats. (more) Why Are Lilies Toxic to Cats? Written by Manjishtha Bhattacharyya Manjishtha Bhattacharyya is an editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. She holds a PhD in zoology from Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, and has more than seven years of experience in science communication... Manjishtha Bhattacharyya Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated May 15, 2026 •History Lilies can be described in many ways—fragrant, colorful, striking—but deadly is rarely the first word that comes to mind. Yet for cats, these beautiful flowers can be highly toxic. And it’s not just the flowers that are dangerous for cats; all parts of the lily plant—including its stems, leaves, and even small amounts of pollen—can cause acute kidney failure that may prove fatal. Science has not yet identified the exact compounds in lilies that cause...

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