Is a Peace Lily toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes, a Peace Lily is toxic to both cats and dogs, though it is not a true lily and does not cause the fatal kidney failure linked to real lilies. Every part contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth, tongue and throat when chewed. The ASPCA rates it mild to moderate, so expect drooling, oral pain and sometimes vomiting. Rinse your pet's mouth with water and watch for swelling.

Why it's toxic

Peace Lily leaves, stems and flowers contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, called raphides, packed into needle-shaped bundles. When a pet bites the plant, these crystals are forced out and embed in the soft tissue of the lips, tongue and throat, causing immediate burning, stinging pain and inflammation. Because the crystals are insoluble, they are not absorbed into the bloodstream, so the harm stays mostly in the mouth and is generally mild to moderate. Importantly, the Peace Lily is not a member of the true lily family, so it does not carry the compound that causes deadly kidney failure in cats. The sharp pain usually stops a pet from eating much.

Symptoms of poisoning

Heavy drooling or foaming at the mouth
Pawing at the mouth or face
Oral pain and reluctance to eat or drink
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
Vomiting
Temporary loss of appetite
In rare cases, difficulty breathing or swallowing from swelling

What to do if your pet eats it

Remove the plant. Take away any chewed leaves or flowers so your pet cannot eat more.
Rinse the mouth. Gently flush the mouth with cool water or wipe it with a damp cloth to clear lingering crystals.
Offer water or food. A cool drink, milk or a small bite of food helps soothe the burning and wash crystals away.
Call for advice. Contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 if symptoms are severe or you are unsure.
Monitor closely. Watch for swelling, trouble breathing or repeated vomiting over the next 12 to 24 hours, and seek emergency care if any appear.

How to keep pets safe

Keep the Peace Lily on a high shelf, a tall plant stand, or in a room your pet does not enter. A bitter-apple or citrus deterrent spray on nearby surfaces discourages curious chewers, and offering cat grass or a chew toy gives pets a safe outlet. Pick up any fallen leaves or spent flowers quickly, since those are the easiest pieces for a pet to find on the floor.

Aspect	Detail
Toxic compound	Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides)
Animals affected	Cats and dogs
Severity	Mild to moderate (not a true lily, so no kidney failure)
Common symptoms	Drooling, oral pain, pawing at mouth, vomiting
Action	Rinse mouth, offer water, call vet or ASPCA 888-426-4435, monitor for swelling

Frequently asked questions

Is a Peace Lily poisonous to cats?

Yes. Peace Lily contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate a cat's mouth, tongue and throat when chewed. It usually causes drooling, pawing at the mouth and oral pain. Most cats recover within a day, and the reaction is mild to moderate rather than life-threatening.

Is a Peace Lily the same as a true lily that kills cats?

No. A Peace Lily is not a true lily and does not cause the fatal kidney failure that true lilies, such as Easter and Tiger lilies, can cause in cats. It is still toxic, but through calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth rather than damage the kidneys.

Is a Peace Lily poisonous to dogs?

Yes. The calcium oxalate crystals irritate a dog's mouth and throat, causing drooling, oral pain and sometimes vomiting. The reaction is usually mild to moderate, and the burning sensation normally stops a dog from eating much of the plant.

Can a Peace Lily kill a cat or dog?

It is very unlikely. Because a Peace Lily is not a true lily, it does not cause kidney failure. The ASPCA rates it mild to moderate. Severe cases are rare and involve swelling that affects breathing, which is an emergency that needs a vet right away.

What happens if my cat eats a Peace Lily?

Expect immediate mouth irritation, drooling, pawing at the face and sometimes vomiting within minutes. Rinse the mouth with water, offer a cool drink, and watch for swelling. Most cats recover within 12 to 24 hours once the crystals are flushed out.

How do I keep my pet away from a Peace Lily?

Place the Peace Lily on a high shelf or in a room your pet cannot access. A bitter deterrent spray nearby discourages chewing, and offering cat grass gives pets a safe alternative. Pick up any dropped leaves or spent flowers promptly.