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Is Alocasia Polly toxic to cats?

Alocasia × amazonica 'Polly'

Toxic to cats

Yes — alocasia polly is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Alocasia spp. as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout its tissues; when chewed, these needle-like crystals cause intense oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The RHS likewise flags it as toxic if eaten and a skin irritant on contact. Keep it well out of reach of pets and children, and wear gloves when repotting or dividing.

What to do if your cat ate alocasia polly

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move alocasia polly out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of alocasia polly to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten alocasia polly, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is alocasia polly toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is alocasia polly toxic to cats?

Yes — alocasia polly is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Alocasia spp. as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout its tissues; when chewed, these needle-like crystals cause intense oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The RHS likewise flags it as toxic if eaten and a skin irritant on contact. Keep it well out of reach of pets and children, and wear gloves when repotting or dividing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats alocasia polly?

The ASPCA lists Alocasia spp. as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout its tissues; when chewed, these needle-like crystals cause intense oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The RHS likewise flags it as toxic if eaten and a skin irritant on contact. Keep it well out of reach of pets and children, and wear gloves when repotting or dividing. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to alocasia polly.

What should I do if my cat ate alocasia polly?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is alocasia polly toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Alocasia Polly is toxic to dogs as well. See the full alocasia polly pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to alocasia polly?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full alocasia polly pet-safety