Is Peruvian Lily / Alstroemeria safe for Cats?
✓ Sources checked by the Eaoae Safety Review · 2026-10-09 · Based on 3 sources
Peruvian lily is low risk for cats, but caution is warranted. Unlike true lilies (Lilium spp.) which cause fatal kidney failure in cats, alstroemeria causes only mild GI upset -- vomiting or diarrhea -- if chewed. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic.
⚠️ Emergency: Possibly — call your vet for advice.
💡 Why
This is an important distinction: Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria spp.) is NOT a true lily. True lilies (Easter lily, tiger lily, daylily) destroy cats' kidneys and are among the deadliest plants for cats. Peruvian lily, the common florist filler flower, produces at most mild stomach upset. The ASPCA's official listing is non-toxic to cats. We grade it CAUTION (not UNSAFE) because GI signs are possible, but the key message is: do not confuse it with true lilies.
🩺 What to do
- Confirm with your florist that bouquets contain Alstroemeria, not true Lilium.
- Mild GI signs can be monitored at home, but call your vet if unsure of the species.
- When in doubt, keep all lily-type flowers away from cats.
❓ Common questions
What's the difference from true lilies?
True lilies (Lilium, Hemerocallis) cause acute kidney failure and kill cats; Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria) causes only mild GI upset at most.
What happens if my cat chews it?
Mild vomiting or diarrhea, if anything. No organ damage is expected.
Should I still keep it away?
Yes -- when in doubt about any lily-type flower, keep it away from cats and ask your florist for the exact species.
📚 Sources
- Is It Poisonous: Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria)
- Pet Poison Helpline: Peruvian Lily
- ASPCA: Peruvian Lily (non-toxic listing)
🔎 How the sources compare
What each authority says about Peruvian lily / Alstroemeria \u2014 compiled 2026-10-28. Eaoae’s verdict summarizes these sources; it is not our own diagnosis.
| Source | Dogs | Cats | Dose info |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCA Animal Poison Control | Listed as non-toxic to dogs — Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria species) is listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses | Listed as non-toxic to cats — Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria species) is listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses | — |
| Pet Poison Helpline | Stated to be non-toxic on this PPH page — the Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria) is named as a non-toxic plant in PPH's lily explainer, in contrast to the true lilies that endanger cats | Stated to be non-toxic on this PPH page — the Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria) is named as a non-toxic plant in PPH's lily explainer, in contrast to the true lilies that endanger cats | — |
| Merck Veterinary Manual | Not covered | Not covered | — |
| VCA Hospitals | Not covered | Not a true lily and does not cause kidney failure in cats; Peruvian lilies (Alstroemeria species) are common in bouquets and may cause mild self-limiting stomach upset when ingested | — |
| Eaoae summary (cats) | ⚠️ Caution \u2014 May be okay in small amounts or specific forms — read the details. | ||
🔗 Related checks for cats
- Oatmeal ⚠️ Caution
- String or Ribbon ⛔ Unsafe
- Bread ⚠️ Caution
- pothos plant ⛔ Unsafe
- Sweet Potato ⚠️ Caution
- Mothballs (naphthalene) ⛔ Unsafe
Checked with Eaoae’s safety lookup. Answers are generated for reference and may be incomplete — always confirm with your vet for your individual pet. Spotted an error? Let us know.
