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People may have noticed I have been posting a lot more these past few days.This largely is a distraction coping mechanism. I just got my cats back (who I have had for 12.5 years). I sent them to live with my parents for a year while I finished law shool. I was living with my best friend who has two very large dogs. It was not an easy choice, my wife grew very close to the cats when we lived with them the year before but agreed it was best to save money before getting married.After I got married and got a job and our own place. I got them back. My wife's favorite flowers are lilies which I often bought for her. They are one of the least expensive flowers and can be bought at a grocery store.Apparently lilies are highly poisonous to cats and I had no idea. Nor did my wife. One of my cats, max, threw up a leaf last Wednesday. My wife actually asked me if we should be worried. I said I was sure the cat was fine nothing and we should just keep them out of easy reach.Honestly, I am ashamed to say, I was more worried about the cat spilling the vase then anything else. No thought of danger to the cat occurred to me, and I dismissed my wife's. I figured if the cat seemed fine it was. I forgot about the incident.The next Sunday night we were watching TV when the cat skillfully climbed to the high shelf the flowers were on and started nibbling the leaves. We shooed him off. I decided to Google it. Still not thinking there was any danger to the cat, but concerned that maybe some sort of nutritional deficiency or stomach bug was having him seek plants as food.I was horrified to find out that lilies are highly poisonous and deadly to cats. I called my vet who said if the cat seemed fine it could wait until Thursday. (We had a scheduled appointment already for blood work prior to a dental cleaning, common for older cats about to go under anesthesia. She said to throw out the plant and that the same blood work would show if there was any kidney damage.The bloodwork is back and there appears to be kidney damage. More tests are needed, and the vet indicated that it is common for older cats to develop kidney problems even without the lilies. Still I am terrified that I am going to find out I killed my cat through my own negligence. I am beside myself with worry and guilt. As is my wife.If you own cats please be advised that all types of lilies are toxic to them.
In captivity, indoor cats typically live 14 to 20 years, though the oldest-known cat lived to age 36. Domestic cats tend to live longer if they are not permitted to go outdoors (reducing the risk of injury from fights or accidents and exposure to diseases) and if they are spayed or neutered.
