daisy
17th March 2009, 11:38 AM
http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/environment/Lily-allergy-cat-killerarticle-686797-details/article.html (http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/environment/Lily-allergy-cat-killerarticle-686797-details/article.html)
Lily allergy is cat killer
(http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/environment/Lily-allergy-cat-killerarticle-686797-details/article.html#StartComments)
FOUR cats have been found dead in Neath after nibbling on poisonous flowers.
Vets have now spoken out to warn other pet owners.
The animals died after eating Easter lilies, which can be bought in bunches in supermarkets, or sold in pots at this time of year.
Jill Dale, from the Afon Veterinary Centre, said: "We have recently seen four cats that have died from lily poisoning.
"The problem is that the plant is very poisonous to them. In fact, just a small bite can kill them."
Mrs Dale said several common types of lilies, including tiger, rubrum and Japanese, as well as some species of the day lily, can be deadly to cats, causing them to suffer renal failure.
"Even the lick of a paw which has the plant's pollen on is enough to kill the animal," added the Penydre vet.
"Once they have ingested it there is almost nothing we can do for them. If the cat is treated within six hours there's a small chance of survival, but usually owners will not even realise what is wrong with their cat and it will be too late."
Two of the animals, owned by a Neath family, died on separate occasions after ingesting Easter lilies.
It was only after the second death that suspicions were raised and the cause of death was revealed by vets.
Tests have now showed that a further two cats died in separate incidents after ingesting the plant.
Mrs Dale said she now fears that, as spring approaches, Easter lilies will become more common in households as potted plants or in bouquets.
"At this time of year it is very easy to find the flowers even being sold in big supermarkets," said Mrs Dale.
"And people don't realise how poisonous they are."
In fact, according to the vet even experts are sometimes stumped by cats who have died unexpectedly.
She added: "To be honest, I don't think it's even common knowledge among vets."
Lily allergy is cat killer
(http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/environment/Lily-allergy-cat-killerarticle-686797-details/article.html#StartComments)
FOUR cats have been found dead in Neath after nibbling on poisonous flowers.
Vets have now spoken out to warn other pet owners.
The animals died after eating Easter lilies, which can be bought in bunches in supermarkets, or sold in pots at this time of year.
Jill Dale, from the Afon Veterinary Centre, said: "We have recently seen four cats that have died from lily poisoning.
"The problem is that the plant is very poisonous to them. In fact, just a small bite can kill them."
Mrs Dale said several common types of lilies, including tiger, rubrum and Japanese, as well as some species of the day lily, can be deadly to cats, causing them to suffer renal failure.
"Even the lick of a paw which has the plant's pollen on is enough to kill the animal," added the Penydre vet.
"Once they have ingested it there is almost nothing we can do for them. If the cat is treated within six hours there's a small chance of survival, but usually owners will not even realise what is wrong with their cat and it will be too late."
Two of the animals, owned by a Neath family, died on separate occasions after ingesting Easter lilies.
It was only after the second death that suspicions were raised and the cause of death was revealed by vets.
Tests have now showed that a further two cats died in separate incidents after ingesting the plant.
Mrs Dale said she now fears that, as spring approaches, Easter lilies will become more common in households as potted plants or in bouquets.
"At this time of year it is very easy to find the flowers even being sold in big supermarkets," said Mrs Dale.
"And people don't realise how poisonous they are."
In fact, according to the vet even experts are sometimes stumped by cats who have died unexpectedly.
She added: "To be honest, I don't think it's even common knowledge among vets."