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Is Caladium 'Florida Sweetheart' toxic to cats?

Caladium bicolor 'Florida Sweetheart'

Toxic to cats

Yes — caladium 'florida sweetheart' 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 and dogs. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals are the toxic principle; chewing any part, including the tuber, causes burning oral pain, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The dormant stored tuber remains toxic. Keep the plant and tubers out of reach of pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate caladium 'florida sweetheart'

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

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

Is caladium 'florida sweetheart' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is caladium 'florida sweetheart' toxic to cats?

Yes — caladium 'florida sweetheart' 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 and dogs. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals are the toxic principle; chewing any part, including the tuber, causes burning oral pain, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The dormant stored tuber remains toxic. Keep the plant and tubers out of reach of pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats caladium 'florida sweetheart'?

ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats and dogs. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals are the toxic principle; chewing any part, including the tuber, causes burning oral pain, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The dormant stored tuber remains toxic. Keep the plant and tubers out of reach of pets and children. 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 'florida sweetheart'.

What should I do if my cat ate caladium 'florida sweetheart'?

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 'florida sweetheart' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to caladium 'florida sweetheart'?

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 caladium 'florida sweetheart' pet-safety