Pet safety
Is Black Calla Lilytoxic to cats & dogs?
Zantedeschia 'Black Star'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Zantedeschia 'Black Star'
Is black calla lily safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Black Calla Lily 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. All Zantedeschia hybrids, including 'Black Star', belong to Araceae and contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or humans causes immediate oral irritation, intense burning sensation, drooling, vomiting, and swelling. ASPCA lists Zantedeschia (calla lily) as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep away from pets and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats black calla lily?
All Zantedeschia hybrids, including 'Black Star', belong to Araceae and contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or humans causes immediate oral irritation, intense burning sensation, drooling, vomiting, and swelling. ASPCA lists Zantedeschia (calla lily) as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep away from pets and 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 black calla lily, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate black calla lily
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move black calla lily 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 black calla lily 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 black calla lily
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:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Black Calla Lily and pets — frequently asked questions
Is black calla lily toxic to cats?
Black Calla Lily (Zantedeschia 'Black Star') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. All Zantedeschia hybrids, including 'Black Star', belong to Araceae and contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or humans causes immediate oral irritation, intense burning sensation, drooling, vomiting, and swelling. ASPCA lists Zantedeschia (calla lily) as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep away from pets and 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 black calla lily toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Black Calla Lily (Zantedeschia 'Black Star') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like black calla lily is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats black calla lily?
All Zantedeschia hybrids, including 'Black Star', belong to Araceae and contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or humans causes immediate oral irritation, intense burning sensation, drooling, vomiting, and swelling. ASPCA lists Zantedeschia (calla lily) as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep away from pets and 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 black calla lily, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate black calla lily?
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 black calla lily to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to black calla lily?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. 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 black calla lily care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete black calla lily care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.