What should I do if my cat ate Black Calla?

Per Pet Poison Helpline, do not induce vomiting at home and do not give hydrogen peroxide without first speaking to a poison control specialist or veterinarian. Wipe loose plant material from the mouth if you can do so safely, and bring a piece of the plant with you to the clinic for identification. Call your vet or the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) right away if you see persistent drooling, repeated vomiting, swelling of the mouth or tongue, refusal of food or water, or any change in breathing. Don't wait it out — airway swelling, while uncommon, is a true emergency.

What should I do if my dog ate Black Calla?

Per Pet Poison Helpline, do not induce vomiting at home and do not give hydrogen peroxide without first speaking to a poison control specialist or veterinarian. Wipe any loose plant material from the mouth if you can do so safely, and bring a piece of the plant for identification. Call your vet or the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) right away if drooling is persistent, your dog is retching, the mouth or tongue looks swollen, or breathing changes. Severe oral swelling or any breathing trouble means call now, not later.

Black Calla — (c) sjajuga, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by sjajuga — Photo by (c) sjajuga, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by sjajugaiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) sjajuga, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by sjajugaiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Black Calla

Q: Is Black Calla safe for cats?

Black Calla is potentially toxic to cats. The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested any part of this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Q: Is Black Calla safe for dogs?

Black Calla is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the release of calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has chewed or ingested this plant.

Arum palestinum

Arum palestinum is a tuberous perennial known for its striking, dark purple-black spathe. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation upon contact with mucous membranes.

Check a list

Arum palaestinumArum palestinumBlack CallaSolomon's Lily

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Tuberous perennial
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

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

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

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

Escalation note

The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested any part of this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

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

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the release of calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has chewed or ingested this plant.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Arum lily contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal distress in pets.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Accepted scientific name and distribution data for Arum palestinum Boiss.

cats safety page My cat ate Black Calla dogs safety page My dog ate Black Calla

Often compared with

Black Calla vs Lords-and-Ladies

Same safety verdict

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Dahlia

Dahlia species

Dahlias are popular tuberous perennials known for their diverse, showy blooms. While they are a staple in gardens, they contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal or dermatological irritation if ingested or handled by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

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Canterbury-bell

Gloxinia perennis

Canterbury-bell is a flowering perennial known for its bell-shaped blooms and is considered safe for households with pets. While non-toxic, ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort due to its fibrous nature.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.