Pet safety
Is Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa'toxic to cats & dogs?
Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa'
Is spathiphyllum 'mauna loa' safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa' 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 specifically lists the Mauna Loa Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which on chewing cause oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Despite the name it is not a true lily and does not cause feline kidney failure, but keep it out of reach of pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats spathiphyllum 'mauna loa'?
The ASPCA specifically lists the Mauna Loa Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which on chewing cause oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Despite the name it is not a true lily and does not cause feline kidney failure, but keep it out of reach of 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 spathiphyllum 'mauna loa', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate spathiphyllum 'mauna loa'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move spathiphyllum 'mauna loa' 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 spathiphyllum 'mauna loa' 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 spathiphyllum 'mauna loa'
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)
Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is spathiphyllum 'mauna loa' toxic to cats?
Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa' (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA specifically lists the Mauna Loa Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which on chewing cause oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Despite the name it is not a true lily and does not cause feline kidney failure, but keep it out of reach of 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 spathiphyllum 'mauna loa' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa' (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like spathiphyllum 'mauna loa' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats spathiphyllum 'mauna loa'?
The ASPCA specifically lists the Mauna Loa Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which on chewing cause oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Despite the name it is not a true lily and does not cause feline kidney failure, but keep it out of reach of 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 spathiphyllum 'mauna loa', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate spathiphyllum 'mauna loa'?
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 spathiphyllum 'mauna loa' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to spathiphyllum 'mauna loa'?
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 spathiphyllum 'mauna loa' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete spathiphyllum 'mauna loa' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.