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If your cat ate colocasia 'pink china' — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Colocasia 'Pink China' is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Colocasia 'Pink China' — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take colocasia 'pink china' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 colocasia 'pink china' — FAQ

Is colocasia 'pink china' poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Colocasia 'Pink China' (Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China') as toxic to cats. The ASPCA individually lists Colocasia esculenta (Elephant Ears) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; 'Pink China' is a cultivar of this species, so the same toxicity applies. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause oral irritation, intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Wear gloves when handling or dividing, as the sap can also irritate skin.

How serious is it if my cat ate colocasia 'pink china'?

Colocasia 'Pink China' 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. The ASPCA individually lists Colocasia esculenta (Elephant Ears) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; 'Pink China' is a cultivar of this species, so the same toxicity applies. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause oral irritation, intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Wear gloves when handling or dividing, as the sap can also irritate skin. 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 colocasia 'pink china' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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