Is Colocasia 'Illustris' (Imperial Taro) toxic to cats?

Yes — colocasia 'illustris' (imperial taro) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA individually lists Colocasia esculenta (Elephant Ears/Taro, family Araceae) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Like other aroids it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets and verify with your vet if ingestion is suspected.

The ASPCA individually lists Colocasia esculenta (Elephant Ears/Taro, family Araceae) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Like other aroids it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets and verify with your vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 'illustris' (imperial taro).

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Colocasia 'Illustris' (Imperial Taro) is toxic to dogs as well. See the full colocasia 'illustris' (imperial taro) pet-safety guide for both species.

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.