Pet safety
Is Spotted Voodoo Lily toxic to cats & dogs?
Sauromatum guttatum
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Sauromatum guttatum
Is spotted voodoo lily safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — spotted voodoo lily is regarded as a clear no for cats and dogs on the strength of its relatives; the ASPCA has no individual entry. 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Sauromatum is an aroid genus and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The spathe releases odorous compounds during bloom. Ingestion causes oral burning, swelling, drooling, and vomiting in pets; contact with sap can irritate skin and eyes.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats spotted voodoo lily?
Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Sauromatum is an aroid genus and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The spathe releases odorous compounds during bloom. Ingestion causes oral burning, swelling, drooling, and vomiting in pets; contact with sap can irritate skin and eyes. 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 spotted voodoo lily, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate spotted voodoo lily
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move spotted voodoo 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of spotted voodoo 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to spotted voodoo 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:
- 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)
Spotted Voodoo Lily and pets — frequently asked questions
Is spotted voodoo lily toxic to cats?
Spotted Voodoo Lily (Sauromatum guttatum) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Sauromatum is an aroid genus and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The spathe releases odorous compounds during bloom. Ingestion causes oral burning, swelling, drooling, and vomiting in pets; contact with sap can irritate skin and eyes. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK if your cat chews it.
Is spotted voodoo lily toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Spotted Voodoo Lily (Sauromatum guttatum) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like spotted voodoo lily is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats spotted voodoo lily?
Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Sauromatum is an aroid genus and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The spathe releases odorous compounds during bloom. Ingestion causes oral burning, swelling, drooling, and vomiting in pets; contact with sap can irritate skin and eyes. 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 spotted voodoo lily, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate spotted voodoo 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of spotted voodoo lily to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to spotted voodoo lily?
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 spotted voodoo lily care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete spotted voodoo lily care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.