Expert: Jessica - 12/7/2010

Question
My question is a sad one... I went to bed a 4 this morning. Im a night hawk, my husband was fast asleep. I have 3 cats Bashful, Happy, and my newest which is actually a loaner till my friend gets a pet friendly place its her kitten named Sophia. Sophia was about 7 months old. My husband came running into the room around ten this morning screaming that theres something wrong with soph-a-kins. (her nick name-long story)I ran out to her and she was dead. Looks like she ate my lily's after I went to sleep. But I dont understand how she could have die within 5 hours and how full rigimortis could have set in in that time... She ate the entire bouquet(2 full flowers pollen buds to)... can that be why? Is it possible she had other health problems? I'm asking beacuase i dont understand and i need an answer beacause i haven't stopped crying and i need some explination, all the internet sites say 2-4 days for lilly posioning.

Answer
Hi Josie-Lynn,

I'm so sorry to hear about poor little Sophia.  Lily toxicity could still be the cause of death in this case.  In studies to determine how lilies affect the kidneys, some cats given high doses of lily flower extract died just hours later.  Although it's evident kidney failure was NOT the cause of death in these cases, no exact cause of death was clear.  

It can't be guaranteed that this little one had no other health issues going on, however.  Sudden deaths in kittens are always suspicious and most often indicate heart problems present since birth.  However, when you have something as deadly as lilies that have been eaten and the kitty dies, it's a pretty strong indication that the lilies were responsible.

I'm very sorry for your loss.  

Best regards,
Jessica