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Is Painted Caladium toxic to cats?

Caladium picturatum

Toxic to cats

Yes — painted 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. The ASPCA lists Caladium species as toxic to dogs and cats. All plant parts, particularly the tubers, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing intense burning and irritation of the mouth and throat, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed or ingested.

What to do if your cat ate painted caladium

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

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

Is painted caladium toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is painted caladium toxic to cats?

Yes — painted caladium 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 Caladium species as toxic to dogs and cats. All plant parts, particularly the tubers, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing intense burning and irritation of the mouth and throat, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed or ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats painted caladium?

The ASPCA lists Caladium species as toxic to dogs and cats. All plant parts, particularly the tubers, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing intense burning and irritation of the mouth and throat, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed or ingested. 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 painted caladium.

What should I do if my cat ate painted 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 painted caladium toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to painted caladium?

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 painted caladium pet-safety