Pet emergency
My cat ate Villena's Velvet Anthurium — what to do
Step by step
- Take villena's velvet anthurium away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate villena's velvet anthurium — FAQ
Is villena's velvet anthurium poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Villena's Velvet Anthurium (Anthurium villenaorum) as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. While Anthurium villenaorum is not individually named in the ASPCA database, ASPCA lists other Anthurium species (e.g. Anthurium scherzeranum, the Flamingo/Tail Flower) as toxic, and every Anthurium is an aroid (family Araceae) containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, intense drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets and children; if ingestion is suspected, contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
How serious is it if my cat ate villena's velvet anthurium?
Villena's Velvet Anthurium is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. While Anthurium villenaorum is not individually named in the ASPCA database, ASPCA lists other Anthurium species (e.g. Anthurium scherzeranum, the Flamingo/Tail Flower) as toxic, and every Anthurium is an aroid (family Araceae) containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, intense drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets and children; if ingestion is suspected, contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep villena's velvet anthurium well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is villena's velvet anthurium toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Villena's Velvet Anthurium and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide