Cats and lilies

[StuffezLaBouche]

Someone's given me a bunch of lilies (not quite in flower yet.)
After the poinsettia/kitten incident (he ripped it to shreds and began to devour it) I decided to look up lilies and cat and it turns out they are very toxic.
I have put them high up on my mantle piece where the cat does not go, but am worried that if bits fall off he might eat them .

Are they as toxic as the websites suggest, and would anyone with more knowledge than be able to advise?

Put it in the bin right away, Stuffez. The pollen is toxic so if any gets on the ground or in the air......

PS - yes. They're really nasty to cats. All parts of the plant are toxic.

Thanks very much Cozie - I had no idea they were so bad for them! Thank god the flowers aren't open yet. Hate binning things but not worth the risk.

Absolutely not. (I'm assuming here that the kitten has got nowhere near them so far?)

No, he does not go onto the mantle piece. They are in the bin now and I've had a check for stray leaves. Crisis averted.

I didn't know this until I read it on here a few months ago.....so you live and learn.No lilies in my house...ever.

Another reason I love Mumsnet. I may have accidently killed my beautiful girl if it were not for this forum, as I used to buy lilies pre-kitten days.

It's a real difficult one, crazynanna. Lilies are very showy and long-lasting blooms and are a staple in many bouquets. If you're brought a bunch of flowers including lilies by - say - a guest it's not nice to spurn it but if you have a cat you just have to - I guess you just need to do it in the nicest possible way, much the same as if you had a nut allergy and someone brought you a lovely box of peanut brittle.

Sadly, the problem is not well publicized.

And don't even go near the thought of outdoor lilies in people's gardens - if you have a cat which goes outside.

Not difficult for me,cozie.

I know it's not nice to spurn a nice gesture from someone, but I would just politely tell them why I am refusing.

My girl is part of my family, like one of my dcs. I just would never chance it.

I agree...it does need to be more publicised. People know about anti freeze...and this is something not everyone may have. But flowers...flowers are a thing most people will have in their house at some time or another.

Good on you, nanna.

also be aware that ponsiettas are toxic to cats you were lucky he ate some of that and didnt have any harmful effects, my daughter gave me a ponsietta for christmas and i have had to put it in my bedroom where the cats are not allowed

BIN THE LILIES BIN, BIN, BIN and just for good measure BIN THEM! Do not let them in your home. EVER.

DH & I lost our darling 4 year old cat, Frank, just before Christmas because he had been poisoned by Tiger Lilies in the neighbours garden. He died of Chronic kidney faliure - it ripped our hearts out and I wouldn't wish what Frank went through and what DH & I went through making that tough call to PTS our darling boy, on our worst enemy.

Get rid. If the people giving you the lilies are friends, they will understand.