Lilies Are Poisonous To Cats

CHICAGO, April 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center (www.ChicagoPetEmergency.com) is distributing an infographic to remind pet owners that many lilies are deadly for cats.  

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140414/73184

"Lilies are extremely poisonous to cats," said Dr. Jerry Klein, supervising veterinarian at Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center. "Ingesting any part of a lily plant can cause serious illness or even lead to death. Because many lilies are so highly-poisonous to cats, prompt veterinary care is required."  

Treatment for ingesting lilies can be difficult for the cat and expensive for its owners. Hospitalization is generally required. Without treatment, the cat will suffer from renal failure and die.

Many of the most common lilies are the most toxic to cats including Asiatic, Day, Easter, Stargazer and Tiger Lilies. All parts of the lily are poisonous to cats, including the flower, leaves and pollen. A cat can even be poisoned by drinking water that lilies were stored in. Cats that ingest any part of a lily may develop acute renal failure and die within days. 

Anyone who suspects that her or his cat has come in contact with any part of a lily plant should seek immediate veterinary care. Although there is no antidote, prompt treatment can help save the cat.

 "We remind cat owners to keep lilies out of their homes," said Dr. Klein. "And if there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, please don't plant lilies in your yard."

Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center is distributing the attached infographic to area veterinarians and pet owners to remind them about the dangers of lilies to cats. It is also available on their website: www.ChicagoPetEmergency.com.

About Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center

(www.ChicagoPetEmergency.com)

Chicago's oldest and largest pet emergency facility, the Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center provides advanced emergency, critical and specialty care for cats and dogs. Each year, the center treats more than 11,000 cats and dogs in its emergency room and thousands more are cared for by veterinary specialists.

Staffed by highly-trained specialists and equipped with the latest technology, Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center is always open – 24-hours, every day of the year. In addition to emergency veterinarians and staff, the facility offers board-certified veterinarians who specialize in cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology and surgery. This state-of-the-art facility includes ultrasound and MRI equipment, specialized surgical suites, a blood bank, specialized oxygen cages, heart monitors and more. A cancer and rehabilitation center is located across the street. Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center has been providing emergency care for cats and dogs since 1978.

Media Contact: Virginia Mann, Virginia V. Mann, Etc., 312-420-3344, [email protected]

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SOURCE Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center