Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Homalomena 'Maggy' (Shield Plant) toxic to cats?

Homalomena rubescens 'Maggy'

Toxic to cats

Yes — homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) 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. Homalomena is an aroid (family Araceae) and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth and throat irritation, intense drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed, and the sap can irritate skin. Homalomena is NOT individually named in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database and no Homalomena species is listed as non-toxic; however, NC State Extension documents it as toxic to dogs and cats, so treat it as toxic and keep it away from pets and children. If ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).

What to do if your cat ate homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant)

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) 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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) toxic to cats?

Yes — homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Homalomena is an aroid (family Araceae) and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth and throat irritation, intense drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed, and the sap can irritate skin. Homalomena is NOT individually named in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database and no Homalomena species is listed as non-toxic; however, NC State Extension documents it as toxic to dogs and cats, so treat it as toxic and keep it away from pets and children. If ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).

What are the symptoms if a cat eats homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant)?

Homalomena is an aroid (family Araceae) and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth and throat irritation, intense drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed, and the sap can irritate skin. Homalomena is NOT individually named in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database and no Homalomena species is listed as non-toxic; however, NC State Extension documents it as toxic to dogs and cats, so treat it as toxic and keep it away from pets and children. If ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435). 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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant).

What should I do if my cat ate homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant)?

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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Homalomena 'Maggy' (Shield Plant) is toxic to dogs as well. See the full homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant)?

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 homalomena 'maggy' (shield plant) pet-safety