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Pet safety

Is Caladium toxic to cats?

Caladium bicolor

Toxic to cats

Yes — caladium 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. ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your cat ate caladium

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move caladium 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 caladium to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is caladium toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is caladium toxic to cats?

Yes — caladium is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats caladium?

ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. 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 caladium.

What should I do if my cat ate caladium?

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 caladium toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to caladium?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include calathea, polka dot plant, prayer plant — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to caladium.

Full caladium pet-safety