What should I do if my cat ate Caladium?

Wipe any plant fragments out of the mouth with a damp cloth and offer cold water to drink. A small amount of milk or plain yogurt may help bind the oxalate crystals and ease the burning. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet specifically tells you to. Call your vet, or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, any time drooling lasts more than an hour, swelling is visible, your cat won't eat or drink, or vomiting persists. Any sign of difficulty breathing or swallowing is an emergency — go immediately and don't wait.

What should I do if my dog ate Caladium?

Rinse the mouth with cold water on a washcloth and clean any plant residue from the face; rinse the eyes if any sap touched them. A small amount of milk or yogurt may help bind the oxalate crystals. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by your vet. Call your vet, or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, if drooling persists more than an hour, vomiting won't stop, swelling is visible, or your dog refuses water. Any difficulty breathing or swallowing is an emergency — go immediately.

Caladium — (c) Greg III Espera, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Greg III Espera — Photo by (c) Greg III Espera, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Greg III EsperaiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Greg III Espera, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Greg III EsperaiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Caladium

Q: Is Caladium safe for cats?

Caladium is potentially toxic to cats. The presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causes 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 Caladium safe for dogs?

Caladium is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the crystalline structure of the plant tissues. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has chewed or swallowed any portion of the plant.

Caladium hortulanum

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

Check a list

Angel WingsCaladium hortulanumElephant EarHeart of Jesus

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Clumping
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 presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causes 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 crystalline structure of the plant tissues. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has chewed or swallowed any portion of the plant.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Calathea

Calathea spp.

Calathea has the same showy patterned foliage without caladium's calcium oxalate irritation.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Nerve plant is a smaller pet-safer pick for the same painted-leaf look.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Caladium is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Caladium hortulanum is a tuberous perennial often grown for its colorful foliage, but it is known to be toxic if ingested by pets.

cats safety page My cat ate Caladium dogs safety page My dog ate Caladium

Often compared with

Caladium vs Elephant Ear

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia reginae

The Bird of Paradise is a popular tropical houseplant known for its striking, crane-like orange and blue flowers. While visually stunning, it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus

The carnation is a popular flowering plant known for its ruffled petals and spicy fragrance. While beautiful in bouquets, it contains compounds that can cause mild irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema modestum

Chinese Evergreen is a popular indoor foliage plant known for its patterned leaves and tolerance of low light conditions. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Clivia

Clivia miniata

Clivia miniata is a popular flowering houseplant known for its vibrant orange or red clusters of blooms. It contains lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.