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Is Waterlily Taro toxic to cats?

Colocasia nymphaeifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — waterlily taro 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. Colocasia species contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all raw plant parts. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, excessive salivation, and GI distress in cats, dogs, and humans. ASPCA lists Elephant Ear (Colocasia) as toxic to pets. Thorough cooking destroys the crystals in edible taro varieties, but raw plant material should always be kept away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate waterlily taro

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

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

Is waterlily taro toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is waterlily taro toxic to cats?

Yes — waterlily taro is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Colocasia species contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all raw plant parts. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, excessive salivation, and GI distress in cats, dogs, and humans. ASPCA lists Elephant Ear (Colocasia) as toxic to pets. Thorough cooking destroys the crystals in edible taro varieties, but raw plant material should always be kept away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats waterlily taro?

Colocasia species contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all raw plant parts. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, excessive salivation, and GI distress in cats, dogs, and humans. ASPCA lists Elephant Ear (Colocasia) as toxic to pets. Thorough cooking destroys the crystals in edible taro varieties, but raw plant material should always be kept away from pets. 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 waterlily taro.

What should I do if my cat ate waterlily 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.

Is waterlily taro toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Waterlily Taro is toxic to dogs as well. See the full waterlily taro pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to waterlily taro?

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 waterlily taro pet-safety