Pet safety
Is Balao Anthuriumtoxic to cats & dogs?
Anthurium balaoanum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Anthurium balaoanum
Is balao anthurium safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists balao anthurium 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Anthurium balaoanum individually, but lists genus members (Anthurium scherzeranum, as Flamingo Flower and Tail Flower) as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates; all anthuriums are aroids containing these crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingested.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats balao anthurium?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Anthurium balaoanum individually, but lists genus members (Anthurium scherzeranum, as Flamingo Flower and Tail Flower) as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates; all anthuriums are aroids containing these crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingested. 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 balao anthurium, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate balao anthurium
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move balao anthurium 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 balao anthurium 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 balao anthurium
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:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Balao Anthurium and pets — frequently asked questions
Is balao anthurium toxic to cats?
Balao Anthurium (Anthurium balaoanum) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Anthurium balaoanum individually, but lists genus members (Anthurium scherzeranum, as Flamingo Flower and Tail Flower) as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates; all anthuriums are aroids containing these crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingested. 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 balao anthurium toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Balao Anthurium is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like balao anthurium is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats balao anthurium?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Anthurium balaoanum individually, but lists genus members (Anthurium scherzeranum, as Flamingo Flower and Tail Flower) as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates; all anthuriums are aroids containing these crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingested. 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 balao anthurium, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate balao anthurium?
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 balao anthurium to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to balao anthurium?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail 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 balao anthurium care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete balao anthurium care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.