Compare

Elephant Ear vs. Elephant Ears: which is safe for cats and dogs?

Elephant Ear and Elephant Ears are frequently confused by shoppers because both belong to the same ambiguity group, often sharing the same common name despite representing different genera like Alocasia and Colocasia. If you are choosing between these two plants for a home with pets, it is important to know that both are considered potentially toxic to cats and dogs. Each plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate irritation to the mouth and digestive tract upon contact. Because both plants carry similar risks for your pets, you should approach both with caution and keep them well out of reach of curious animals.

Elephant Ear

Alocasia spp.

Alocasia is a genus of rhizomatous, broad-leaved perennial plants known for their dramatic, arrow-shaped foliage. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate irritation upon contact with soft tissues.

cat

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

dog

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Full Elephant Ear reference →

Elephant Ears

Colocasia esculenta

Colocasia esculenta is a tropical perennial known for its large, heart-shaped leaves that resemble elephant ears. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation upon contact with tissues.

cat

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

dog

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth.

Full Elephant Ears reference →

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Areca Palm

Dypsis lutescens

Areca palm delivers big, tropical, pet-safe foliage in place of elephant ear.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Parlor palm is a smaller pet-safe way to get the same leafy drama.

Not yet rated for cats.

Generally safe for dogs.

Shop on Amazon

Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.