(NEW YORK, NY) April 9, 2003 - The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is leading a nationwide campaign to warn cat owners about the dangers of Easter lilies and other variations in the lily family.

"Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), Tiger lily (Lilium tigrinum), Rubrum lily (Lilium speciosum), Japanese show lily (Lilium lancifolium) and some species of the Day lily (Hemerocallis species) can cause kidney failure in cats,"

says Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Veterinary Toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

"Unfortunately, all parts of the lily plant are considered toxic to cats and consuming even small amounts can be life threatening."

Within only a few hours of ingestion of the lily plant, a cat may vomit, become lethargic or develop a lack of appetite. These signs continue and worsen as kidney damage progresses. Without prompt and proper treatment by a veterinarian, the cat may develop kidney failure in 36 to72 hours.

Cat owners should remove lilies from their cat's access and are encouraged to consider safer alternatives such as Easter orchids, Easter cactus, Easter daisies or violets.

Article courtesty of Deborah Sindell, ASPCA