Cat lovers have been warned of the dangers a humble flower could hold to their beloved pets after one feline had a narrow escape.

Liana Cavalcanti's Persian cat Tilly needed emergency treatment after eating lilies the Carshalton woman had been given for her birthday on Sunday.

Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and contain a poison which acts on their kidneys and is often fatal.

Mrs Cavalcanti said: "I knew that lilies could be poisonous to cats and never buy them but, when I was given a bunch, I thought I’d quickly put them out of her way. 

"Unfortunately Tilly is an indoor cat so is very curious about plants and flowers."

Before Mrs Cavalcanti had a chance to move the flowers Tilly had started eating one of them.

She took the cat to the Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital in Wimbledon where Tilly was put on a drip to flush out the kidneys and kept in for two days while vets observed her.

Roger Bralow, head vet at the Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital, said:  "All parts of the lily flower and plant are poisonous and only a small amount needs to be eaten to cause potentially fatal symptoms. 

"The poison acts mainly on the kidneys. The first sign is often vomiting but cats can also show loss of appetite, depression, salivation as well as increased drinking and urination.

"Sadly, many die because their kidneys are so badly damaged. Others may survive but with permanent kidney problems.

"Tilly is very lucky because her owner acted swiftly in bringing her to us so we could start treatment quickly.  We’re delighted that she’s doing so well and is now back at home, safe and sound."

Both Mr Bralow and Mrs Cavalcanti have warned pet owners to be careful if they are bought lilies. Mrs Cavalcanti added: "My advice to other cat owners is to avoid lilies.  They may be beautiful but it’s really not worth the heartache."