What should I do if my cat ate Elephant Ears?

Remove plant material from your cat's mouth. A small amount of xylitol-free milk, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream can soothe oral irritation (ASPCA guidance for insoluble-oxalate plants). Don't induce vomiting at home. Call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Treat any swelling, breathing difficulty, or non-stop retching as a true emergency and head to the ER.

What should I do if my dog ate Elephant Ears?

Take any plant fragments out of your dog's mouth. A small amount of xylitol-free milk, plain yogurt, or vanilla ice cream can ease the burning (ASPCA guidance for insoluble-oxalate plants). Do not induce vomiting on your own. Call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Anything that looks like facial swelling or labored breathing is an emergency — go straight to the ER.

Elephant Ears — (c) Cheng-Tao Lin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cheng-Tao Lin — Photo by (c) Cheng-Tao Lin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cheng-Tao LiniNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Cheng-Tao Lin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cheng-Tao LiniNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Elephant Ears

Q: Is Elephant Ears safe for cats?

Elephant Ears is potentially toxic to cats. The presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causes immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Q: Is Elephant Ears safe for dogs?

Elephant Ears is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion leads to immediate irritation of the oral cavity due to calcium oxalate crystals. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of this plant.

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.

Check a list

Caladium esculentumCocoyamColocasia esculentaDasheenTaro

Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade
Habit: Clumping, rhizomatous
Care: High (requires consistent moisture)

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 this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

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

Escalation note

Ingestion leads to immediate irritation of the oral cavity due to calcium oxalate crystals. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of this plant.

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.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Elephant Ear 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

Colocasia esculenta is a tuberous, frost-tender perennial that is widely grown for its large, tropical-looking foliage.

cats safety page My cat ate Elephant Ears dogs safety page My dog ate Elephant Ears

Often compared with

Elephant Ears vs Elephant Ear

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

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.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.