Stargazer Lily
Lilium orientalis · Liliaceae
How it looks
Stargazer Lily (Lilium orientalis) is a deep-pink and white lily that opens wide facing upward, with a deep pink band and black spots down the center of the petals. The fragrance is very strong, and the flowers measure 6-8 in (15-20 cm). The leaves are narrow, long, and sword-shaped, with the plant reaching 32-47 in (80-120 cm).
Deadly — kidney failure
Stargazer Lily is a true lily (Lilium) and causes kidney failure in cats. Petals, pollen, and leaves are all deadly, and even vase water is dangerous.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 6–24 hours after ingestion (symptoms may be delayed)
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
- Action
- Go to a 24-hour animal hospital immediately. Don't wait, even if there are no symptoms.
Guide for parents
Stargazer lilies are prized for their heavy fragrance and showy markings, popular in bouquets and as indoor cut flowers — but for a cat they are a deadly lily that causes kidney failure from a tiny amount. Petals, pollen, leaves, and even the vase water are all dangerous.
It is a true lily (Lilium)
The Stargazer is an Oriental true lily (genus Lilium) and carries the same kidney-failure risk as the lily, the Easter lily, and the daylily. Its danger is completely different from the peace lily, a lily in name only — so first confirm yours is a true lily.
How cats get exposed
Its strong scent comes with heavy, conspicuous pollen that rubs off easily onto fur and furniture. A cat can be poisoned just by brushing against it and grooming, and the petals, leaves, and vase water are all toxic too. Keeping it up high does not guarantee safety.
How symptoms progress
Vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite appear first, 6–12 hours after ingestion. A "false recovery" window follows while kidney damage quietly advances. By 24–72 hours urine output drops sharply and kidney failure emerges — and by then treatment can rarely reverse it.
What to do right now
If pollen got on your cat's fur or it chewed the flower, go to a 24-hour emergency vet immediately even without symptoms. Do not induce vomiting at home. Once kidney damage starts it's too late, so starting IV fluids within 6 hours of exposure is what matters.
Safer flowers instead
If you want a fragrant flower, switch to cat-safe roses or gerbera daisies.
Details
- Scientific name
- Lilium orientalis
- Common name
- Stargazer Lily
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Unknown (presumed steroidal saponins)
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Liliaceae
Related guides
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