Pet safety
Is Alocasia Lauterbachiana (Purple Sword)toxic to cats & dogs?
Alocasia lauterbachiana
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Alocasia lauterbachiana
Is alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword) safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword) as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA lists Alocasia (Alocasia spp., family Araceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Like other aroids it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which on chewing cause oral irritation and pain, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, intense drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep it out of reach of pets and curious children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword)?
The ASPCA lists Alocasia (Alocasia spp., family Araceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Like other aroids it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which on chewing cause oral irritation and pain, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, intense drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep it out of reach of pets and curious children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword)
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword) out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword)
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Prayer plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Calathea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Parlor palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Areca palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Alocasia Lauterbachiana (Purple Sword) and pets — frequently asked questions
Is alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword) toxic to cats?
Alocasia Lauterbachiana (Purple Sword) (Alocasia lauterbachiana) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Alocasia (Alocasia spp., family Araceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Like other aroids it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which on chewing cause oral irritation and pain, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, intense drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep it out of reach of pets and curious children. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword) toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Alocasia Lauterbachiana (Purple Sword) is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword) is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword)?
The ASPCA lists Alocasia (Alocasia spp., family Araceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Like other aroids it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which on chewing cause oral irritation and pain, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, intense drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep it out of reach of pets and curious children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword)?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword) to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword)?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include prayer plant, calathea, parlor palm, areca palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword) care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete alocasia lauterbachiana (purple sword) care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.