Pet safety
Is Colocasia Hilo Beautytoxic to cats & dogs?
Colocasia esculenta 'Hilo Beauty'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Colocasia esculenta 'Hilo Beauty'
Is colocasia hilo beauty safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists colocasia hilo beauty 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. Whether treated as Colocasia or, per current taxonomy, Caladium, the ASPCA lists both genera as toxic due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes intense oral burning, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats colocasia hilo beauty?
Toxic to cats and dogs. Whether treated as Colocasia or, per current taxonomy, Caladium, the ASPCA lists both genera as toxic due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes intense oral burning, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets. 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 colocasia hilo beauty, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate colocasia hilo beauty
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move colocasia hilo beauty 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 colocasia hilo beauty 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 colocasia hilo beauty
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)
Colocasia Hilo Beauty and pets — frequently asked questions
Is colocasia hilo beauty toxic to cats?
Colocasia Hilo Beauty (Colocasia esculenta 'Hilo Beauty') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Toxic to cats and dogs. Whether treated as Colocasia or, per current taxonomy, Caladium, the ASPCA lists both genera as toxic due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes intense oral burning, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets. 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 colocasia hilo beauty toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Colocasia Hilo Beauty (Colocasia esculenta 'Hilo Beauty') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like colocasia hilo beauty is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats colocasia hilo beauty?
Toxic to cats and dogs. Whether treated as Colocasia or, per current taxonomy, Caladium, the ASPCA lists both genera as toxic due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes intense oral burning, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets. 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 colocasia hilo beauty, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate colocasia hilo beauty?
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 colocasia hilo beauty to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to colocasia hilo beauty?
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 colocasia hilo beauty care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete colocasia hilo beauty care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.