I recently received a peace lily in memory of my mother, and I really want to take good care of it. However, I have three cats and a dog, and I'm concerned about the plant's toxicity to them. I've heard mixed opinions on how poisonous peace lilies really are to cats. My cats usually leave my other houseplants alone (thanks to a spray bottle!), but I'm wondering if peace lilies are safe to keep indoors or if I should consider giving it away. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Peace lilies can be quite toxic to cats, especially if they chew on them or eat them—potentially leading to some serious issues. It’s true that just brushing against the pollen could also be harmful. If you're in a cooler climate, keeping it indoors is best. Consider removing the stamens from the flowers as a precaution, and if you can, it might be a good idea to rehome it to someone who would appreciate it too.
Just to clarify, peace lilies (*Spathiphyllum*) aren’t actual lilies, which are much more dangerous for cats. They can cause issues but usually not as severe unless ingested in larger amounts. As long as your cats just sniff or rub against it without munching down, they should be okay. I know someone who has had her peace lily since she got it after her mom passed away and it’s still thriving. You might be just fine with some caution!