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Pet safety

Is Elephant ear toxic to cats?

Colocasia esculenta

Toxic to cats

Yes — elephant ear 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 as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes intense oral pain, drooling and swelling. Cooked taro corms are eaten by humans but raw plant material is severely irritating.

What to do if your cat ate elephant ear

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

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

Is elephant ear toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is elephant ear toxic to cats?

Yes — elephant ear 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 as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes intense oral pain, drooling and swelling. Cooked taro corms are eaten by humans but raw plant material is severely irritating.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats elephant ear?

ASPCA lists Colocasia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes intense oral pain, drooling and swelling. Cooked taro corms are eaten by humans but raw plant material is severely irritating. 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 elephant ear.

What should I do if my cat ate elephant ear?

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 elephant ear toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to elephant ear?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include calathea, areca palm, cast iron plant — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to elephant ear.

Full elephant ear pet-safety