Plant safety for cats
Is calla lily toxic to cats?
ModerateListed toxic to cats by ASPCA
Yes — calla lily is toxic to cats, but it isn't a true lily: like peace lily it holds oxalate crystals that cause mouth pain, drooling and vomiting rather than kidney failure.
Why moderate: Oxalate crystals — a painful mouth, not kidney failure. Not a true lily.
- Name
- Calla lilyalso Arum lily, Zantedeschia
- Botanical name
- Zantedeschia species · Araceae
Toxic parts
Leaves and stems — the crystals are released wherever the plant is chewed.
What's in it
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals — tiny needles that are released when the leaf is chewed and stab the lips, mouth and throat
How to recognise it
- A single smooth, trumpet-like 'flower' (spathe) wrapped around a yellow spike
- Arrow- or spear-shaped leaves
Look-alikes and name traps
Not a true lily. It belongs to the same crystal group as peace lily.
Symptoms to watch for
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Gagging or vomiting
- Painful mouth, not wanting to eat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rarely: swelling of the throat that makes breathing hard (emergency)
At once — the crystals hurt as soon as the plant is chewed.
What to do
Call your vet. It hurts at once, but most cats recover with supportive care.
- Take the plant away, note how much is missing and take a photo of it.
- Call your vet if your cat drools, paws at the mouth, gags or vomits.
- Go now if breathing is noisy or laboured, the face or throat swells, or your cat can't swallow (Pet Poison Helpline's rule).
- Don't make your cat vomit at home unless a vet tells you to.
Where Indian cats meet it
Mostly seen as a florist flower in bouquets and décor.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Calla lily
- Pet Poison Helpline: Calla lily
- International Cat Care: Lily poisoning in cats
Facts last checked
General information for cat parents, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. The facts come from ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, International Cat Care, the Merck Veterinary Manual and the other sources listed on every page — and we say so when the evidence comes from dogs or people. If your cat may have eaten something harmful, call your vet.
