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Pet safety

Is Caladium 'Red Flash' toxic to cats?

Caladium bicolor 'Red Flash'

Toxic to cats

Yes — caladium 'red flash' 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. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing the leaves, petioles or tuber causes intense oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The stored dormant tuber is also toxic. Keep the plant and tubers away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate caladium 'red flash'

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

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

Is caladium 'red flash' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is caladium 'red flash' toxic to cats?

Yes — caladium 'red flash' 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. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing the leaves, petioles or tuber causes intense oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The stored dormant tuber is also toxic. Keep the plant and tubers away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats caladium 'red flash'?

ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing the leaves, petioles or tuber causes intense oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The stored dormant tuber is also toxic. Keep the plant and tubers away from 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 'red flash'.

What should I do if my cat ate caladium 'red flash'?

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 'red flash' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to caladium 'red flash'?

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 'red flash' pet-safety