pet toxicity on Peace Lily
Quick answer
If your Peace Lily has pet toxicity, the most likely cause is: Yes. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the plant (leaves, stems, and flowers). When a cat or dog chews on the plant, these microscopic, needle-like crystals embed themselves in the sensitive tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat. This causes immediate, intense pain and irritation. Note: Peace lilies are only "mildly to moderately" toxic (causing mechanical tissue damage) and are not true lilies (which cause fatal kidney failure in cats).
Start here:
- 1. Stop the exposure: If you catch your pet chewing the plant, immediately remove it from their reach.
- 2. Soothe the mouth: Gently rinse the pet's mouth with water, or offer a small amount of milk or yogurt. The calcium in the dairy binds to the oxalate crystals and helps ease the burning sensation.
Why Peace Lily gets pet toxicity
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Yes. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the plant (leaves, stems, and flowers). When a cat or dog chews on the plant, these microscopic, needle-like crystals embed themselves in the sensitive tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat. This causes immediate, intense pain and irritation. Note: Peace lilies are only "mildly to moderately" toxic (causing mechanical tissue damage) and are not true lilies (which cause fatal kidney failure in cats).
How to reverse pet toxicity on Peace Lily
- 1
Stop the exposure: If you catch your pet chewing the plant, immediately remove it from their reach.
- 2
Soothe the mouth: Gently rinse the pet's mouth with water, or offer a small amount of milk or yogurt. The calcium in the dairy binds to the oxalate crystals and helps ease the burning sensation.
- 3
Monitor symptoms: Watch for excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vocalization (crying), lip swelling, and vomiting.
- 4
Consult a vet: While rarely fatal, if the swelling is severe enough to affect breathing or swallowing, or if vomiting persists, take your pet to the vet immediately.
Keep pet toxicity off this Peace Lily
Keep peace lilies completely out of reach of pets by placing them on high shelves, plant stands, or in hanging planters. If you have an aggressively curious cat that scales furniture, it is safest to rehome the plant.