Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Last year my beloved 10 mos old kitten dided from acute renal failure of then unknown cause. It was not until months later that I read a article about lilies causing renal failure in cats and realized I was given a lily bulb in February, the kind where it is forced to grow indoors from a kit. Once I read the article I realized that the lily could have caused his death but I will not know. I was given the plant as a b'day gift last year and did mention that I felt the lily caused my cats renal failure. I do not blaim this person and sent her email articles on the toxic effects of lillies on cat since she is a cat owner. She allows her cat outside supervised but also has daylillies outdoors/. This birthday what does she give me but a herbal garden kit from the same manufacturer (S & H ) sold at the T. stores. I don't think I can give names but the T store uses a ed and white circle as a emblem. I did internet research and saw where 2 of the herbs can cause problems with cats like increased blood pressure etc. I returned the plant to the T store needless to say. First I love my friend but cannot believe that she would give me another plant...almost a sick joke. I emailed S & H and told them what happened and recommended that they write a warning on the boxes stating the potential toxicity to cats ( and probably dogs or children). They are just as stupid and responded by telling me to contact T. store about my problem. I just do not get it...they manufactured the lily kit. Any ideas to get this info out to the general public more so they would not experience what I did. Also when Miloh did last May I wrote in Cathobbyists forums alot and sincerely appreciated the responses from the experts.

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your cat. My heart goes out to you as it is always so very difficult, particulary when it is sudden and unexplained.

As to what may or may not be toxic to a human or cat, some of the resonsibility has to fall on the pet owner, not all on the product manufacturer. The word is out to the public in a couple forms, just not right in their face. But it isn't right in the face of parents of new babies on all products, either.

Vets are one source (mine went thru a long list of plants, human foods, and human meds that were dangerous when I asked early on). Online is an excellent source, as well. I just now did an online search and typed in, "plants toxic to cats" and found multiple comprehensive lists compiled.

You could contact the SPCA to get ideas as to how to get the word out, but I am affraid if a plant or product doesn't put a human warning on it, there is no way they'd add pets -- the law would require for human warnings long before pet warnings.

Thank you for bringing this subject up on the boards here, it is an excellent reminder to those of us that have cats already to question what they put in their mouth, and for new pet owners that come here for basic information.
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Tammy and Pookey
(Stanley 8/91 - 8/07)