Rainy & the Lilies — A Story Every Cat Parent Should Read

Sunday, May 4, 2025

It was just a Sunday lunch with friends. Rainy, our curious kitten, came with us—something we’ve done before without a second thought. Two weeks earlier, I had learned that some plants are toxic to cats. But in that moment, I completely forgot. I even pointed out to my friend’s husband how gently Rainy stepped around a vase on the TV stand while we were eating. I didn’t realize it was full of lilies—one of the most toxic plants to cats.

The Moment Everything Changed

As I took my last bite, something caught my eye—Rainy’s belly and nose were stained yellow. I panicked and asked if there was anything yellow around. They said no. Then I turned and saw the lilies. My heart dropped. I rushed Rainy to the bathroom and wiped him down with a wet towel. But he started licking himself, and I knew that wasn’t enough. We raced home so I could give him a full bath.

The Emergency Begins

Rainy doesn’t like water much—like most cats—but I had already started teaching him how to swim. Not so he’d enjoy it, but so he’d know how to get out if he ever fell into the pool. Sunny, on the other hand, turned out to be a great swimmer and loves diving in. For Rainy, that small bit of training gave me and him just enough confidence to bathe him quickly with cat shampoo. Over time, he’s also learned that bathing isn’t always a bad thing—sometimes, like in this case, it’s absolutely necessary. Still in full panic mode, I turned to Google.

Lily poisoning in cats = Emergency. Immediate action

It was Sunday. Most places were closed. I called the emergency vet, and they told me to bring him in immediately. At the clinic, they asked me to call the Pet Poison Helpline. My friends used a plant ID app—it confirmed the worst: Daylily (Hemerocallis). One of the most toxic plants for cats. I felt sick. So did Jim. My heart was aching.

Hospitalization and Hope

The vet began IV fluids and bloodwork. Rainy had to stay overnight. I visited him at 11 PM—he was scared and didn’t like being there. He’s just a baby. By Monday morning, I asked to bring him home and do outpatient care. By noon, we were back together. He seemed okay—happy, even. He ate, played, peed, and looked like himself.

Phosphorus Trouble

Later that evening, we returned for more bloodwork. His phosphorus level came back dangerously high. They instructed me to start subcutaneous fluids at home. We did it. Rainy was still playful. And thank God—he peed. It was almost midnight on a long, stressful Monday. But Rainy is here. He’s alive. He’s peeing. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

The Weight of Blame

My friend blamed herself. I blamed myself too. In that moment, it felt like the whole world was on my shoulders. The guilt was crushing. But the truth is—accidents happen. We forget things, even important ones. What matters is how fast we act once we realize the danger. And we did. We rushed. We fought for Rainy. We’re still fighting. I’m sharing this not because we were perfect, but because maybe our mistake can help someone else act sooner. That’s what Rainy would want.

The Onset of Symptoms

Lily poisoning symptoms often appear 24–48 hours after exposure, but damage begins much earlier. Even if your cat seems fine, take them to the vet immediately. Waiting can be fatal.

What I Want You to Know

If you have cats:
Never bring lilies into your home. Not even one stem. Not even in a vase. Lilies are deadly to cats. Even a small lick of the pollen, a sip of the vase water, or a bite of a petal can cause severe kidney failure.

Check every single plant you own — you’d be shocked how many are toxic to pets.

If you bring your cat to someone’s house or business, always check the surrounding plants. Use a plant identifier to ensure they’re safe for your pet.

If your cat is exposed:
Act fast: bathe them, stop them from licking their fur, and encourage them to drink water.

Go to the ER. Bring the plant. Push for care.

And if you mess up—if you forget, panic, or make a mistake out of love—you’re not alone. I’m still learning. But I hope Rainy’s story helps keep another cat safe—or helps another cat parent feel less alone in a terrifying moment. He’s doing okay now. It’s 1 a.m. on Tuesday. Tomorrow will be another busy day.

Send us your love, positive energy, and prayers.

Day Three: A Glimmer of Hope

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

This morning started with a message from the emergency vet. They said if I wanted to discuss phosphate binders, I could stop by. Rainy had already peed and pooped in his litter box — a beautiful thing to witness. Right now, the little victories mean everything. At home, I gave him his scheduled 100cc of subcutaneous fluids. I went to the Emergency clinic to ask if we needed to start phosphate binders or transition to a renal diet. Their answer: not yet. So we went home, and I spent the day encouraging Rainy to eat and drink. I got creative—mixing a bit of treats into his water and offering it through a syringe. It actually worked! I also removed everything that might be high in phosphorus, like tuna and meat-based toppers. He peed twice today. I actually cheered.

The Longest Hour

By evening, it was time for another round of bloodwork. Rainy seemed a little lethargic, and I was nervous. I didn’t even want to walk inside. My heart was pounding — what if they tell me it’s getting worse? They asked me to sign a form for a cystocentesis urine sample. I asked if we could wait until the blood results came back before deciding. They agreed. That next hour… felt endless. Jim, Sunny, Rainy, and I waited in the car. I was silently bargaining with the universe.

The vet walked out — smiling. She told me Rainy’s kidney values were all normal, and phosphorus dropped from 9.0 to 7.6. I hugged her. Tears of relief. She warned me: tomorrow night is still in the danger zone. If Rainy continues to do as well as he did today, he’ll be safe. We came home feeling lighter. Rainy is here. He’s eating. He’s drinking. He’s trying. He’s such a good boy. I’m sorry this happened to you, baby. But we’re doing everything we can. You’re not alone.

Sunday May 11

Rainy is doing great! We decided not to do the follow-up test as he seems perfectly fine now. After everything he’s been through, we didn’t want to put him through more trauma. A huge thank you to Beacon 24/7 Veterinary ER for their incredible care and quick response. Their support made all the difference for Rainy’s recovery.

Lastly, please be aware of all the toxic plants out there. Keeping our pets safe from harmful plants is crucial for their health and well-being. Always double-check before bringing new plants into your home.

Information:

Toxic plants for pets based on ASPCA

Plant Identifier App