Jun Peng launches petition for warning labels after cat dies from gifted bouquet of lilies after mum’s death

Gifting someone a bouquet of flowers to send condolences at a time of mourning is common practice — but it could be deadly.

This was the heartbreaking reality for cat owner Jun Peng, who was given a bouquet of lilies from friends when his mum passed away from a cardiac arrest in July.

Grieving his mum’s death, Peng didn’t register the bunch of flowers were toxic to his beloved ragdoll cat Reuben.

Alarm bells started ringing a month later when Reuben started losing weight and drinking more water.

In a devastating development, Peng received the call from vets that tests uncovered Reuben was suffering kidney failure caused by the lilies.

Despite treatment, Reuben — just 1 year and 10 months old —couldn’t be saved and Peng had to say goodbye to his feline companion.

“Despite all the care, special diets, and emergency visits, Reuben’s kidneys failed. I said goodbye to my best friend only three months after saying goodbye to my mum,” Peng wrote in an online petition.

“This has been the hardest year of my life. I’ve never felt this much pain — helpless, hopeless, and heartbroken.

“I don’t blame anyone. It’s hard not to blame myself. Yes, I was aware that lilies are toxic — but when you lose the biggest support of your life, that detail doesn’t even cross your mind.”

The tragedy has prompted the Aussie to launch an online petition in a bid to enforce mandatory warning labels for stores selling fresh flowers.

“Now, I want to make sure no one else has to go through what I did,” he wrote.

“This could be as simple as: A small label stating ‘Toxic to Cats/Dogs’, a poster near checkout, or a warning note on online product pages.

“Many people have no idea how dangerous some varieties can be for their or others’ pets. Even a small warning could make a world of difference.”

Peng and Reuben’s story has struck a cord among Aussies, with the petition gathering more than 7,120 signatures at the time of writing.

According to the RSPCA, all parts of the lily plant including the petals, stems, leaves, pollen, and even the water they are sitting in are toxic to cats and can also be harmful to dogs.

Symptoms of lily toxicity

• Vomitting
• Excessive salivation
• Disinterest in food
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Excessive or no urination

The RSCPA advises anyone who suspects their pet may be suffering toxicity to treat it as an emergency and seek immediate veterinary help.