Indoors and out
Is Caladium toxic to cats and dogs?
Caladium bicolor, Caladium species · also called Angel wings, elephant ears, heart of Jesus
Cats
ToxicDogs
ToxicCaladiums are toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing the leaves releases needle-like crystals that cause intense mouth pain, drooling, swelling and vomiting.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer something cold to drink or eat, such as a little milk or yogurt.
- Pain usually stops pets eating much.
- Call your vet if drooling or vomiting continues, or if there is any swelling around the mouth or difficulty breathing.
Signs to watch for
- Pawing at the mouth
- Heavy drooling
- Swelling of the lips, tongue and mouth
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
What is harmful
- Parts
- All parts, especially leaves and tubers
- Substance
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
The details
Caladiums are grown for their dramatic pink, red and white leaves, and the leaves are exactly what pets chew. Like dieffenbachia and philodendron, they contain bundles of oxalate crystals that pierce the mouth on contact. The burning pain usually limits how much is eaten, so serious poisoning is uncommon, but swelling around the throat needs urgent care.
Pet-safe alternatives
Questions owners ask
Is Caladium toxic to cats?
Yes — toxic to cats. Harmful parts: all parts, especially leaves and tubers.
Is Caladium toxic to dogs?
Yes — toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: all parts, especially leaves and tubers.
What happens if a pet eats caladium?
pawing at the mouth, heavy drooling, swelling of the lips, tongue and mouth, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer something cold to drink or eat, such as a little milk or yogurt. Pain usually stops pets eating much. Call your vet if drooling or vomiting continues, or if there is any swelling around the mouth or difficulty breathing.
What are pet-safe alternatives to caladium?
Calathea (prayer plant), Polka dot plant, Peperomia.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
