Wednesday, March 12, 2008

When you think of Easter, you probably don't think of it as being a dangerous time for cats. Turns out your Easter decorations can be deadly.

Lilies can be toxic to cats, according to news releases from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Varieties of lilies known to cause kidney failure in cats include the Easter lily, tiger, rubrum, Japanese show lilies and daylilies.

Here are safe, suggested decorative floral alternatives: orchids, Easter lily cactus, daisies or violets.

"Cats can be extremely inquisitive and may graze on plants in and around a house," said Lorraine A. Corriveau, wellness veterinarian in the Purdue vet school. "All parts of the plant are considered toxic, and intoxication can occur with ingestion of less than one leaf."

Do you or your neighbors have day lilies in outdoor gardens? They're popular around here, and they, too, can kill cats. There's another good reason to keep pet cats in the house instead of allowing them to wander freely throughout their neighborhoods.

Within 2 to 6 hours after eating a lily, a cat will show signs of intestinal upset including vomiting, loss of appetite and depression. Those symptoms may temporarily subside only to return within 12 to 18 hours as kidney damage ensues.

"Prompt and aggressive veterinary care is paramount to the survival of your cat," Dr. Corriveau says. "With immediate treatment, full recovery is possible. If treatment is delayed, varying degrees of permanent kidney damage will occur. If the cat is not treated at all, death unually occurs in three to seven days."

Treatment consists of inducing vomiting to expel the lily and administering activated charcoal and intravenous fluid. Postponing veterinary treatment for more than 18 hours can result in renal failure and death, Dr. Corriveau said.