Pet safety
Is Zantedeschia elliottiana toxic to cats?
Zantedeschia elliottiana
Yes — zantedeschia elliottiana 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists calla lily (Zantedeschia) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) as the toxic principle. Chewing releases needle-like crystals causing oral pain and burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Despite the name, it is not a true Lilium and lacks the kidney toxicity of true lilies, but remains a significant oral irritant.
What to do if your cat ate zantedeschia elliottiana
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move zantedeschia elliottiana out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of zantedeschia elliottiana to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten zantedeschia elliottiana, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is zantedeschia elliottiana toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is zantedeschia elliottiana toxic to cats?
Yes — zantedeschia elliottiana is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists calla lily (Zantedeschia) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) as the toxic principle. Chewing releases needle-like crystals causing oral pain and burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Despite the name, it is not a true Lilium and lacks the kidney toxicity of true lilies, but remains a significant oral irritant.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats zantedeschia elliottiana?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists calla lily (Zantedeschia) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) as the toxic principle. Chewing releases needle-like crystals causing oral pain and burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Despite the name, it is not a true Lilium and lacks the kidney toxicity of true lilies, but remains a significant oral 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 zantedeschia elliottiana.
What should I do if my cat ate zantedeschia elliottiana?
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 zantedeschia elliottiana toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Zantedeschia elliottiana is toxic to dogs as well. See the full zantedeschia elliottiana pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to zantedeschia elliottiana?
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 zantedeschia elliottiana pet-safety
- Is zantedeschia elliottiana toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is zantedeschia elliottiana toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate zantedeschia elliottiana — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete zantedeschia elliottiana care guide