Pet emergency
My cat ate Caladium Miss Muffet — what to do
Step by step
- Take caladium miss muffet 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 caladium miss muffet — FAQ
Is caladium miss muffet poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Caladium Miss Muffet (Caladium 'Miss Muffet') as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Caladium (Caladium hortulanum) as toxic to cats and dogs. Leaves and tuber contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The tuber is the most concentrated part, so keep plants and stored tubers away from pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate caladium miss muffet?
Caladium Miss Muffet 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. ASPCA lists Caladium (Caladium hortulanum) as toxic to cats and dogs. Leaves and tuber contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The tuber is the most concentrated part, so keep plants and stored tubers away from pets. 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 caladium miss muffet well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is caladium miss muffet toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Caladium Miss Muffet and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide