Pet emergency
My cat ate Zantedeschia 'Hot Chocolate' — what to do
Step by step
- Take zantedeschia 'hot chocolate' 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 zantedeschia 'hot chocolate' — FAQ
Is zantedeschia 'hot chocolate' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Zantedeschia 'Hot Chocolate' (Zantedeschia 'Hot Chocolate') as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists calla lily (Zantedeschia) as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; chewing causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. This is irritant toxicity, distinct from the renal toxicity of true lilies, but still warrants keeping the plant away from pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate zantedeschia 'hot chocolate'?
Zantedeschia 'Hot Chocolate' 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 lists calla lily (Zantedeschia) as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; chewing causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. This is irritant toxicity, distinct from the renal toxicity of true lilies, but still warrants keeping the plant 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 zantedeschia 'hot chocolate' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is zantedeschia 'hot chocolate' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Zantedeschia 'Hot Chocolate' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide