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Is Elephant Foot Yam toxic to cats?

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius

Toxic to cats

Yes — elephant foot yam 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. Amorphophallus is an aroid (Araceae) genus containing insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, the toxic principle the ASPCA cites across the aroid family; treat as toxic to cats and dogs. Raw plant tissue causes intense oral burning, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. For people the corm is a staple vegetable but only after thorough cooking; raw or undercooked tissue is acrid and irritant.

What to do if your cat ate elephant foot yam

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

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

Is elephant foot yam toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is elephant foot yam toxic to cats?

Yes — elephant foot yam is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Amorphophallus is an aroid (Araceae) genus containing insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, the toxic principle the ASPCA cites across the aroid family; treat as toxic to cats and dogs. Raw plant tissue causes intense oral burning, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. For people the corm is a staple vegetable but only after thorough cooking; raw or undercooked tissue is acrid and irritant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats elephant foot yam?

Amorphophallus is an aroid (Araceae) genus containing insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, the toxic principle the ASPCA cites across the aroid family; treat as toxic to cats and dogs. Raw plant tissue causes intense oral burning, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. For people the corm is a staple vegetable but only after thorough cooking; raw or undercooked tissue is acrid and irritant. 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 foot yam.

What should I do if my cat ate elephant foot yam?

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 foot yam toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to elephant foot yam?

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 elephant foot yam pet-safety