Is Peace Lily Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Peace lily is moderately toxic to both cats and dogs — oxalate crystals burn the mouth, unlike true lilies which cause cat kidney failure. It still warrants a vet call.
Can cause real harm — call a vet for guidance.
Can cause real harm — call a vet for guidance.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Peace Lily?
Peace lily is moderately toxic to both cats and dogs — oxalate crystals burn the mouth, unlike true lilies which cause cat kidney failure. It still warrants a vet call.
Also known as: spathiphyllum, spath, white sails, cobra plant, peace lilly.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Burning of the mouth, lips, and tongue from chewing leaves or flowers
- Heavy drooling and pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting and difficulty swallowing
- Hoarse barking or reluctance to eat while the mouth is sore
🐈 In Cats
- Burning mouth irritation and heavy drooling
- Pawing at the mouth and head shaking
- Vomiting and reluctance to eat
- Hoarse meowing from throat irritation
What to Do If Ingested
- Remove any remaining leaf material from the mouth.
- Rinse the mouth with water or offer milk or ice to soothe the burn.
- Offer water but do not force food while the mouth is sore.
- Call a vet if drooling, vomiting, or refusal to eat persists.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting. Have a cat? Run the Pet Poison Triage Wizard for cat-specific steps.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- A large amount was eaten or the mouth is badly swollen
- Persistent vomiting or refusal to eat
- Breathing difficulty or severe swelling of the tongue
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a peace lily as deadly to cats as a true lily?
No — and the distinction matters. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are not true lilies; they contain calcium oxalate crystals that burn the mouth and cause drooling and vomiting, but they do NOT cause the fatal kidney failure that true lilies (Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Oriental) do. Still, treat any chewing as a reason to call the vet — the pain and vomiting are real.
How do I tell a peace lily from a true lily?
Peace lilies have a single white hood-like spathe around a central spike, with glossy dark leaves growing directly from the soil. True lilies grow from bulbs on tall stems with large, showy six-petaled flowers (Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Oriental) and scattered grass-like leaves. If you are unsure which "lily" your cat chewed, assume the worst and call a vet immediately.
What should I do right after my pet chews a peace lily?
Remove any plant material from the mouth, rinse with water, and offer milk or ice to soothe the crystal irritation. Most pets recover within a few hours as the pain fades. Call a vet if drooling, vomiting, or refusal to eat lasts more than a few hours, or if there is any swelling that affects breathing.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicology
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poisons
Last reviewed: 2026-10-16