Is Heart-leaved Pinellia toxic to cats?

Yes — heart-leaved pinellia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Pinellia species contain calcium oxalate raphides (an Araceae family characteristic), causing intense oral irritation, swelling, and gastrointestinal upset in cats, dogs, and humans if ingested raw. ASPCA lists the Araceae family as toxic to cats and dogs. The corm is detoxified by drying or processing in traditional Chinese herbal medicine but must never be consumed raw.

All parts of Pinellia species contain calcium oxalate raphides (an Araceae family characteristic), causing intense oral irritation, swelling, and gastrointestinal upset in cats, dogs, and humans if ingested raw. ASPCA lists the Araceae family as toxic to cats and dogs. The corm is detoxified by drying or processing in traditional Chinese herbal medicine but must never be consumed raw. 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 heart-leaved pinellia.

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: Heart-leaved Pinellia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full heart-leaved pinellia 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.