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Is Giant Taro toxic to cats?

Alocasia macrorrhizos

Toxic to cats

Yes — giant 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. ASPCA lists Alocasia (elephant's ear) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes intense oral burning, irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, profuse drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The raw rhizome is especially irritant and must be cooked before any culinary use.

What to do if your cat ate giant taro

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

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

Is giant taro toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is giant taro toxic to cats?

Yes — giant taro is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Alocasia (elephant's ear) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes intense oral burning, irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, profuse drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The raw rhizome is especially irritant and must be cooked before any culinary use.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats giant taro?

ASPCA lists Alocasia (elephant's ear) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes intense oral burning, irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, profuse drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The raw rhizome is especially irritant and must be cooked before any culinary use. 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 giant taro.

What should I do if my cat ate giant 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 giant taro toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to giant 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 giant taro pet-safety