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Is Calico flower toxic to cats?

Aristolochia elegans

Toxic to cats

Yes — calico flower 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. All parts of Aristolochia elegans (syn. A. littoralis) contain aristolochic acids — nephrotoxic and carcinogenic compounds capable of causing irreversible kidney failure. Toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and other animals if ingested. Keep away from children and pets at all times. Also note this species is lethal to Pipevine swallowtail butterfly larvae despite superficial similarity to their host plants.

What to do if your cat ate calico flower

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

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

Is calico flower toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is calico flower toxic to cats?

Yes — calico flower is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Aristolochia elegans (syn. A. littoralis) contain aristolochic acids — nephrotoxic and carcinogenic compounds capable of causing irreversible kidney failure. Toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and other animals if ingested. Keep away from children and pets at all times. Also note this species is lethal to Pipevine swallowtail butterfly larvae despite superficial similarity to their host plants.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats calico flower?

All parts of Aristolochia elegans (syn. A. littoralis) contain aristolochic acids — nephrotoxic and carcinogenic compounds capable of causing irreversible kidney failure. Toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and other animals if ingested. Keep away from children and pets at all times. Also note this species is lethal to Pipevine swallowtail butterfly larvae despite superficial similarity to their host plants. 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 calico flower.

What should I do if my cat ate calico flower?

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 calico flower toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to calico flower?

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 calico flower pet-safety