Pet safety
Is Homalomena 'Maggy' (Shield Plant)toxic to cats & dogs?
Homalomena rubescens 'Maggy'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Homalomena rubescens 'Maggy'
Is homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Homalomena 'Maggy' (Shield Plant) 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. Homalomena is an aroid (family Araceae) and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth and throat irritation, intense drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed, and the sap can irritate skin. Homalomena is NOT individually named in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database and no Homalomena species is listed as non-toxic; however, NC State Extension documents it as toxic to dogs and cats, so treat it as toxic and keep it away from pets and children. If ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant)?
Homalomena is an aroid (family Araceae) and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth and throat irritation, intense drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed, and the sap can irritate skin. Homalomena is NOT individually named in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database and no Homalomena species is listed as non-toxic; however, NC State Extension documents it as toxic to dogs and cats, so treat it as toxic and keep it away from pets and children. If ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435). 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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant)
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) 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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) 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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant)
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)
Homalomena 'Maggy' (Shield Plant) and pets — frequently asked questions
Is homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) toxic to cats?
Homalomena 'Maggy' (Shield Plant) (Homalomena rubescens 'Maggy') is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Homalomena is an aroid (family Araceae) and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth and throat irritation, intense drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed, and the sap can irritate skin. Homalomena is NOT individually named in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database and no Homalomena species is listed as non-toxic; however, NC State Extension documents it as toxic to dogs and cats, so treat it as toxic and keep it away from pets and children. If ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435). 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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Homalomena 'Maggy' (Shield Plant) is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant)?
Homalomena is an aroid (family Araceae) and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth and throat irritation, intense drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed, and the sap can irritate skin. Homalomena is NOT individually named in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database and no Homalomena species is listed as non-toxic; however, NC State Extension documents it as toxic to dogs and cats, so treat it as toxic and keep it away from pets and children. If ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435). 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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant)?
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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant)?
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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.