Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Calathea spp.Calathea spp.Peacock PlantPrayer PlantRattlesnake Plant
- Light
- Low to medium indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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
None expected; however, consumption of large quantities of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, consumption of large quantities of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Bring it home
Calatheais generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Calathea is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Calathea is a genus of plants in the Marantaceae family, widely grown for their decorative foliage.
Questions about Calathea
Are calathea plants toxic to cats?
Calathea are considered non-toxic to cats. The ASPCA does not list them as poisonous, and they are generally regarded as a pet-safe houseplant choice.
What happens if my cat eats calathea leaves?
No toxic reaction is expected. If your cat eats a large amount of the fibrous leaves, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible from the sheer bulk of plant material, but this is a digestive response rather than a poisoning.
Should I call my vet if my cat chewed on my calathea?
A small nibble does not require a vet call. If your cat ate a significant portion of the plant and is showing signs of distress—persistent vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite—contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Do calathea's patterned leaves or moving parts pose any special risk to cats?
No. The leaf movement calatheas are known for is a natural response to light and poses no physical or chemical risk to cats. The foliage, while fibrous, contains no documented toxic compounds.
Is calathea toxic to dogs?
Calathea is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is generally safe for households with dogs, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning if a dog chews or eats the leaves.
What happens if my dog eats a calathea leaf?
Most dogs will experience no symptoms at all. If your dog consumes a large amount of the fibrous leaves, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of plant material, but serious illness is not expected.
How much calathea would make a dog sick?
Small nibbles are very unlikely to cause any reaction. Problems are only expected if a dog eats a significant quantity of leaves, in which case the fibrous material may cause temporary GI upset like vomiting or loose stools — not toxicity.
Should I call my vet if my dog ate calathea?
For a small amount, veterinary attention is generally not needed — monitor your dog for vomiting or diarrhea, which should resolve on its own. If your dog ate a large quantity and shows persistent distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Bichetii Grass
Chlorophytum bichetti
Bichetii Grass is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant known for its arching, variegated foliage that resembles a miniature spider plant. It is widely considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior
The Cast Iron Plant is a hardy, shade-tolerant houseplant known for its deep green, leathery foliage and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. It is widely considered a pet-safe choice for households with cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Gloxinia
Sinningia speciosa
Gloxinia is a popular flowering houseplant known for its large, velvety leaves and vibrant, bell-shaped blooms. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive irritation.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Lady Palm
Rhapis excelsa
The Lady Palm is a popular, slow-growing indoor palm known for its fan-shaped fronds and adaptability to low-light environments. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of any plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.