All lilies are potentially fatal to cats, the RSPCA has warned

John and Patricia Hartnett's pet died after brushing against oriental stargazer lilies.

The Folkestone couple said they had been unaware the flowers could be fatal and called for an awareness campaign.

Several plants could cause illness and people should seek veterinary advice if a pet shows signs of poisoning, such as vomiting or collapse, the RSPCA said.

Spokeswoman Katy Geary said: "People should not panic but should be aware of the potential dangers.

As little as a leaf can kill if ingested, but any part of the plant is dangerous Katy Geary, RSPCA

"All lilies are potentially lethal to cats.

"As little as a leaf can kill if ingested, but any part of the plant is dangerous including pollen, flower or leaves.

"Also at risk is a bored puppy or kitten which is left alone and starts to chew houseplants, or picks up plant trimmings unnoticed whilst out in the garden."

She said dumb cane or leopard lilies, cyclamen, poinsettia, amaryllis, laburnum, berries, toadstools and members of the hemerocallis family could all be poisonous.

And cocoa mulch fertiliser, which is on sale in most garden centres and DIY stores, was also potentially fatal and could make dogs violently ill.

Ragwort dangers

The RSPCA is urging landowners to remove ragwort from fields and verges because of the danger it presents to animals and the charity has warned it can also be harmful to humans.

Ms Geary said: "Ragwort causes irreversible damage to the liver, resulting in an extremely painful death for livestock.

"Animals may lose weight and condition, and suffer depression, loss of appetite, constipation, sunburn and jaundice.

"In many cases, it can be fatal."