Pet emergency
My cat ate Homalomena Selby — what to do
Step by step
- Take homalomena selby 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My cat ate homalomena selby — FAQ
Is homalomena selby poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Homalomena Selby (Homalomena 'Selby') as toxic to cats. Homalomena is a member of the arum family (Araceae). Like other aroids the ASPCA classifies as toxic (e.g. Dieffenbachia, Philodendron), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat in cats and dogs. Keep away from pets and wash hands after handling sap.
How serious is it if my cat ate homalomena selby?
Homalomena Selby is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. Homalomena is a member of the arum family (Araceae). Like other aroids the ASPCA classifies as toxic (e.g. Dieffenbachia, Philodendron), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat in cats and dogs. Keep away from pets and wash hands after handling sap. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep homalomena selby well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Related
- Is homalomena selby toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Homalomena Selby and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant