Pet emergency
My cat ate Black Calla Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take black calla lily 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 black calla lily — FAQ
Is black calla lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Black Calla Lily (Zantedeschia 'Black Star') as toxic to cats. All Zantedeschia hybrids, including 'Black Star', belong to Araceae and contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or humans causes immediate oral irritation, intense burning sensation, drooling, vomiting, and swelling. ASPCA lists Zantedeschia (calla lily) as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep away from pets and children.
How serious is it if my cat ate black calla lily?
Black Calla Lily 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. All Zantedeschia hybrids, including 'Black Star', belong to Araceae and contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or humans causes immediate oral irritation, intense burning sensation, drooling, vomiting, and swelling. ASPCA lists Zantedeschia (calla lily) as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep away from pets and children. 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 black calla lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is black calla lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Black Calla Lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide