Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' toxic to cats?

Colocasia esculenta 'Coffee Cups'

Toxic to cats

Yes — colocasia 'coffee cups' 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 Colocasia (elephant's ear/taro) as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing oral pain, drooling, vomiting and swallowing difficulty. Raw plant tissue is also unsafe for people; only properly cooked taro is edible.

What to do if your cat ate colocasia 'coffee cups'

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

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

Is colocasia 'coffee cups' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is colocasia 'coffee cups' toxic to cats?

Yes — colocasia 'coffee cups' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Colocasia (elephant's ear/taro) as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing oral pain, drooling, vomiting and swallowing difficulty. Raw plant tissue is also unsafe for people; only properly cooked taro is edible.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats colocasia 'coffee cups'?

ASPCA lists Colocasia (elephant's ear/taro) as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing oral pain, drooling, vomiting and swallowing difficulty. Raw plant tissue is also unsafe for people; only properly cooked taro is edible. 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 colocasia 'coffee cups'.

What should I do if my cat ate colocasia 'coffee cups'?

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 colocasia 'coffee cups' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full colocasia 'coffee cups' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to colocasia 'coffee cups'?

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 colocasia 'coffee cups' pet-safety