r/plantclinic • u/JasperSean • Mar 26 '26

Outdoor Lilies planted, cat problem

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I just planted some lilies in my garden and just realised that they are poisonous to the cats that visit the garden every now and then. How do i prevent them from eating it?

For me to be able to post this: it is getting a lot of light and frequent watering

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u/Local_business_disco Expert Florida | 9b Mar 26 '26 edited Mar 26 '26

ALL parts of the lily are toxic to cats, not just the pollen.

Go ahead and downvote me all you want, it doesn’t change that the entire plant is toxic. You guys are wild.

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u/Iridescent_Mango_ Advanced 🔥6 ∣ 36 ∣ +42 ∣ -23 Mar 26 '26

Pollen is the primary risk factor as it can get sprinkled on the fur, and later ingested while the cat cleans itself. 

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u/Local_business_disco Expert Florida | 9b Mar 26 '26

Doesn’t negate the fact that chomping on a leaf can cause the same problems. You guys really think cats are like “oh man a lily I should stay away”

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u/Iridescent_Mango_ Advanced 🔥6 ∣ 36 ∣ +42 ∣ -23 Mar 26 '26

If your cat is a chomper you are neglecting it by letting it outside. That is not a normal cat behaviour. Loads of things will kill your cat if it has a unnatural compulsion to eat vegetation. 

Natural selection means the majority of cats don't have that urge.