May 26, 2026
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) appear on the ASPCA's toxic plant list and are one of the most frequently involved plants in feline poisoning cases — largely because they are so widely owned. They are beautiful, they tolerate low light, they are inexpensive, and they are in millions of homes. They are also harmful to cats.
The important clarification: peace lilies are not true lilies. They belong to a completely different botanical family (Araceae) and cause a very different type of reaction. They do not cause the acute kidney failure that Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, and Daylilies cause. But they do cause significant and distressing symptoms that warrant prompt veterinary attention.
Peace lilies belong to the Araceae family, which also includes pothos, philodendron, monstera, dieffenbachia, and caladium. What these plants share is the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals — microscopic needle-shaped structures packed into specialised cells called idioblasts throughout the plant's tissue. When a cat (or human, or dog) chews on any part of a peace lily, these cells rupture and release the crystals into the mouth's soft tissue.
The crystals do not dissolve. They physically embed in the lining of the mouth, tongue, throat, and esophagus, causing intense burning and irritation. The reaction is almost immediate — typically within seconds of chewing. This is why most cats stop eating the plant quickly: the pain kicks in before they can consume enough to cause serious harm. But "not much" is still enough to cause significant distress.
Significantly less serious than true lily poisoning — peace lilies will not cause kidney failure. The vast majority of cases resolve within several hours without lasting harm. However, "not as bad as a true lily" does not mean safe. The discomfort is real, the symptoms can be alarming, and in cats that ingest a larger amount or chew on the plant repeatedly over time, gastrointestinal effects can be significant.
Cats that regularly nibble on peace lilies — as some persistent plant-chewers will do — can develop chronic oral irritation and digestive issues. This is another reason to remove the plant entirely rather than trying to manage access.
Peace lilies are popular because they are beautiful, forgiving, and widely recommended for low-light spaces. They often sit on windowsills, low shelves, or on the floor — exactly where cats spend time. Cats are attracted to the long flat leaves and the dangling flowers. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center receives regular reports of peace lily ingestion throughout the year, not just during peak plant-buying seasons.
Contact exposure is also possible: the sap can cause skin and eye irritation if a cat rubs against a damaged stem or leaf.
The most popular features of peace lilies are their white blooms, their dramatic foliage, and their low-light tolerance. There are several cat-safe alternatives that offer similar or superior qualities in these areas:
"Peace lily" is often confused with true lilies because of the shared common name, and the confusion creates risk in both directions. Some cat owners dismiss peace lily risk because they know it is "not as bad as a lily," and delay treatment. Others assume any lily exposure is equally dangerous and panic unnecessarily when a cat chews on a peace lily.
The rule: any plant with "lily" in its name should be investigated before placing it in a cat household. Check the botanical name, look up the ASPCA toxicity status, and when in doubt, choose a verified safe alternative.
Browse 119 ASPCA-verified cat-safe plants on our database — every entry includes the botanical name, safety tier, and care guide.
No — they cause completely different types of toxicity. True lilies (Lilium species) cause acute kidney failure, which can be fatal within 72 hours. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset from calcium oxalate crystals. Both are toxic and neither should be in a cat household, but a peace lily is not an emergency in the same way as a true lily.
Symptoms begin almost immediately after chewing — intense oral burning, excessive drooling, and pawing at the mouth. Vomiting typically follows within minutes. Most cats stop eating the plant quickly because of the burning sensation. Monitor closely and call your vet if vomiting persists or your cat stops eating.
In most cases, peace lily ingestion causes significant discomfort but not lasting harm. However, cats that ingest larger amounts or chew repeatedly over time may experience more serious gastrointestinal effects. Always call your vet when in doubt.
Calathea is the closest safe alternative — similar architectural elegance, low to medium indirect light tolerance, and completely non-toxic. White-flowering Phalaenopsis orchids offer comparable elegance with long-lasting blooms and are fully cat-safe.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 • Available 24 hours, 7 days a week
