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If your cat ate xanthosoma violaceum — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Xanthosoma Violaceum is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Xanthosoma Violaceum — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take xanthosoma violaceum 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 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.
  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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate xanthosoma violaceum — FAQ

Is xanthosoma violaceum poisonous to cats?

Yes — Xanthosoma Violaceum (Xanthosoma violaceum) is regarded as toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Toxic to cats and dogs. As a Xanthosoma (tannia/malanga) elephant ear, it falls under the ASPCA toxic classification for this group; the toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, causing oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Raw parts are unsafe to pets and people; corms are edible for humans only after thorough cooking.

How serious is it if my cat ate xanthosoma violaceum?

Xanthosoma Violaceum 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. As a Xanthosoma (tannia/malanga) elephant ear, it falls under the ASPCA toxic classification for this group; the toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, causing oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Raw parts are unsafe to pets and people; corms are edible for humans only after thorough cooking. 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 xanthosoma violaceum 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.

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