Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Lords-and-Ladies - what should I do?
Arum maculatum
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
The presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causes immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested any part of this plant, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
What to watch for
Almost-immediate intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, heavy drooling, pawing at the face, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Cats may stop eating until the irritation settles. Severe airway swelling is rare but possible.
Time window
Pain begins within minutes of biting the plant; oral irritation typically subsides over a few hours, though appetite may stay reduced for up to 24 hours.
When to call the vet
Call your vet right away if drooling, vomiting, or pawing at the mouth persists, your cat won't swallow, or you notice swelling around the muzzle or any change in breathing. Even mild cases benefit from a vet check because of dehydration risk.
What this means for your cat
Cats that bite into lords-and-ladies usually back off fast. The ASPCA lists Arum maculatum as toxic to cats because its tissues contain insoluble calcium-oxalate crystals — microscopic glass-like spines that pierce the soft lining of the mouth on contact. Most exposures are oral rather than systemic.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.