I'm cat-feeding for neighbours and I've just chucked all their bouquets of flowers in the bin!

[thecatneuterer]

Should probably be AIBU, but I'm too much of a wuss for that.

My neighbours are away for three days. I'm feeding their two cats. I've just been round and there were four huge bouquets in vases, featuring mostly lilies. I dithered for a bit and wondered if I could put them anywhere where the cats don't go - but the cats have access everywhere. I considered cutting out all the stamens but a) what a PITA b) some weren't yet open so still not safe c) even without the stamens they're still not cat-safe. So I just chucked them all in the bin.

I could claim that they just died in three days - but then they won't know about the dangers. I think I'll have to fess up. They're not going to be angry are they? They're only flowers after all.

I'd have done the same thing TCN.

Flowers don't purr and rub around your ankles.

I would have done the same

Is this just for cats? I've never heard of this. I knew they couldn't be eaten but wasn't aware of rogue pollen poisoning!

Not sure if it extends to other species Tchaikovsky. It clings to them when brushing past, or falls on them. It has a sort of oily texture, so clings to the fur.

You've done the right thing getting rid of them, sounds like the owner is unaware of the dangers of lillies to cats, I'd just explain this to them when they get back, surely they must care more about the safety of their cats then some flowers that will die off shortly anyway and will be grateful to you for doing this, it would be far worse if they came home to dead cats.

I'd have done this too, especially as they're away and you're visiting - nobody to notice and rush to the vet if one of the cats goes down ill, plus with owners away the blighters are more likely to be looking for entertainments.

A lot of people don't know about lilies, I'm sure if you just explain that you didn't know what to do for the best but didn't want their cats to die they'll forgive you.

I do think there is unexplored stuff with the lily thing - growing up we had no idea, lots of cats, and lots and lots of lilies. Never an issue. It was only a couple of years ago I even found out and I'd been having cut lilies quite regularly. Now that I know I can't un-know and would never forgive myself if something happened, so the house is lily free, but I do wonder - maybe some cats know to steer well clear, or aren't as affected, or something.

Thanks all. I'll let you know what the neighbours say when they come back. Although they've left the heating on constant, on 25 degrees (and I can't work out how to switch it off/down), and it's like an oven in there, so I think the flowers would have been dead in two days anyway.

I would be a bit upset if you threw away bouquets. They must have been sent for a special occasion.
Once you told me why I'd understand due to your work but I'd still be a bit upset. I've had cats,I've had lillies,never had one unwell from it. Lucky so far perhaps but I think if you didn't explain I'd find it a bit overzealous.

Although with your love of cats they are lucky to have you helping.

Update: only just had a chance to talk to the neighbour. I explained. She thanked me for throwing them away and for bringing the danger to her attention as she had no idea.

She may well have been seething inside but, if she was, she hid it well :)

You'd be more upset if you came back & the cat had died though. Glad she didn't get cross.

flowers would have cost less than the vets bills. well done for looking out for them.

You totally did the right thing, it's not worth the risk. My friend got lillies from his boyfriend and posted the pic on FB. Cue me screaming at him on his post to get rid, they did. I've begged my local Morrison's to put warnings the pots but they won't.