Canterbury couple's cat likely killed by lily pollen

Mark and Barb Somerville of Ashburton are mourning the loss of one of their cats, from suspected lily poisoning.

They want to warn other pet owners that lilies and some other plants can be deadly to pets, particularly cats.

On Monday last week, the couple took their adored 14-month-old fluffy tabby and white feline Billy to the vet.

He had been off his food since the previous day, when it was also noticed he was resting a lot in the sphinx position, rather than his usual pose of lying on his side.

Tests showed acute kidney injury. He was treated with intravenous fluids and medications.

‘‘The level of kidney malfunction was increasing and we realised he couldn’t be saved,’’ Mark said.

On Wednesday he was euthanised.

They had been surprised to find out from the vet it was likely to be lily poisoning, as they had not even known the plants could be toxic.

‘‘It was the first I had heard about it, we didn’t realise that it was a thing.’’

Mark questioned neighbours about any new lily plants in the vicinity, and a neighbour confirmed they had a lily plant in a pot. Billy had been able to access the neighbour’s home through a fence.

‘‘We think he brushed against it and licked his coat,’’ Mark said.

The vet who treated Billy, Christine Hahn at Ashburton’s Petfirst Riverside, said Billy’s acute kidney injury was likely due to lily poisoning. Cats could rub up against the plants, have pollen drop on to their coats, and then ingest this while washing themselves.

‘‘We do see it around this time of year,’’ she said.

Billy’s poisoning had been caught quite early, as when he was admitted he was not yet dehydrated. But the toxin had already damaged his kidneys.

Hahn advised cat owners to avoid planting lilies. And when having lilies inside in a vase, the stamens with pollen should be removed. While other parts of the plant were deadly if eaten, most cats did not eat these. Dogs were also vulnerable but their kidneys were generally not as susceptible.

The SPCA advises it is not just lilies that can be toxic to pets, but other plants including daffodils, especially the bulbs, and foxgloves, some species of ivy and rhubarb.

Mark said Billy would often rub up against things, it had been part of his smoochy nature.

Billy was one of three rescue cats owned by the Somervilles, the others being Arthur and Henry. As well as rubbing up against things, Billy had liked cuddles, and walking in to a room and flopping down on his side.

‘‘He was just the ultimate cruiser,’’ Mark said.