Is Lily of the Valley Toxic to Cats?

Convallaria majalis

Every part of lily of the valley — flowers, leaves, berries and the water in the vase — contains convallatoxin, a cardiac glycoside. It disrupts the heart rhythm, and the margin between 'chewed a leaf' and 'collapsed' is small in a cat.

It is a common British garden plant, sold in spring, and it looks harmless. The name is the trap: it is not related to the true lilies, but it is at least as dangerous.

Which parts are dangerous

• flowers
• leaves
• berries
• vase water

What to watch for in the UK

• Sold as spring pot plants and planted in shaded borders — check before you buy.
• Cut stems in a vase put the water within reach of a cat.
• Children's 'fairy garden' plantings often use it.
• Foxglove causes the same type of poisoning; see that page.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Emergency vet, immediately.
2. Take a sample or photo of the plant.
3. Do not wait for the cat to look unwell — cardiac signs can come on fast.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).