Is Cats Safe?
Is Caladium Safe for Cats?
No — Caladium is toxic to cats.
Caladium is listed as toxic to cats by ASPCA Animal Poison Control. The toxic component is Insoluble calcium oxalates. Cats metabolise many plant and chemical compounds poorly, so keep Caladium away from your cat and treat any exposure seriously.
| Scientific name | Caladium hortulanum |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Category | Plants |
| Toxic principle | Insoluble calcium oxalates |
| Also known as | Angel-Wings, Ape, Candidum, Cape, Elephant Ears, Elephant Ears (Caladium hortulanum), Elephant's Ears, Exposition |
Signs to watch for in cats
- Oral irritation
- Pain and swelling of mouth
- Tongue and lips
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting (not horses)
- Difficulty swallowing
If your cat may have been exposed to Caladium:
- Don't wait for symptoms; don't induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
- Note what and how much, and take any packaging with you.
- Call your vet or a 24/7 line now — Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 · ASPCA 888-426-4435.
Other Araceae plants
Plants in the same family (Araceae) are easily confused with Caladium — check each one:
Cat-safe alternatives
Browse all Plants for cats · or check another item.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caladium toxic to cats?
Yes. Caladium is reported toxic to cats by ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Keep it away from your cat.
What are the symptoms if a cat is exposed to Caladium?
Reported signs include: Oral irritation, Pain and swelling of mouth, Tongue and lips, Excessive drooling, Vomiting (not horses), Difficulty swallowing.
What makes Caladium toxic to cats?
The harmful component reported for Caladium is Insoluble calcium oxalates. Cats metabolise many such compounds poorly, so even small exposures can cause problems.
How much Caladium is dangerous to cats?
There is no established "safe" amount — sensitivity varies by cat, and small exposures can still cause signs. Treat any exposure as potentially serious rather than waiting to see how much was involved.
What should I do if my cat ate Caladium?
Contact your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line right away: Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).