Pet safety
Is Crystal Anthuriumtoxic to cats & dogs?
Anthurium crystallinum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Anthurium crystallinum
Is crystal anthurium safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Crystal Anthurium is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. 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 Anthurium as toxic to both cats and dogs (and horses), with the toxic principle being insoluble calcium oxalates. All parts of A. crystallinum contain these needle-like raphide crystals, which on chewing cause oral pain, intense burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep well out of reach of pets and children, and wash hands after handling cut stems as the sap can also irritate skin.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats crystal anthurium?
The ASPCA lists Anthurium as toxic to both cats and dogs (and horses), with the toxic principle being insoluble calcium oxalates. All parts of A. crystallinum contain these needle-like raphide crystals, which on chewing cause oral pain, intense burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep well out of reach of pets and children, and wash hands after handling cut stems as the sap can also irritate skin. 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 crystal anthurium, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate crystal anthurium
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move crystal 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 crystal 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 crystal 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:
- 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)
Crystal Anthurium and pets — frequently asked questions
Is crystal anthurium toxic to cats?
Crystal Anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Anthurium as toxic to both cats and dogs (and horses), with the toxic principle being insoluble calcium oxalates. All parts of A. crystallinum contain these needle-like raphide crystals, which on chewing cause oral pain, intense burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep well out of reach of pets and children, and wash hands after handling cut stems as the sap can also irritate skin. 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 crystal anthurium toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Crystal Anthurium is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like crystal anthurium is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats crystal anthurium?
The ASPCA lists Anthurium as toxic to both cats and dogs (and horses), with the toxic principle being insoluble calcium oxalates. All parts of A. crystallinum contain these needle-like raphide crystals, which on chewing cause oral pain, intense burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep well out of reach of pets and children, and wash hands after handling cut stems as the sap can also irritate skin. 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 crystal anthurium, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate crystal 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 crystal anthurium to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to crystal anthurium?
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 crystal anthurium care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete crystal anthurium care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.