Calla Lily

Yes, calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips upon ingestion, along with excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms begin within minutes of chewing: intense pawing at the mouth, heavy drooling, redness or swelling of the lips, tongue, and gums, and vomiting. Most cases are localized to the mouth and GI tract and settle within a few hours to 24 hours with supportive care, though in rare cases swelling can extend toward the throat.

Wipe any plant fragments from your cat's mouth with a damp cloth and offer cold water; a small amount of plain yogurt or milk may help bind the oxalate crystals and ease the burning. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a vet. Call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your vet if drooling lasts more than an hour, vomiting persists, or you notice any swelling — and go to an emergency clinic immediately if your cat shows difficulty breathing or swallowing.

No — calla lily (Zantedeschia) is not a true lily (Lilium or Hemerocallis), and the toxicity mechanism differs. True lilies can cause acute kidney failure in cats even in small amounts, while calla lily causes pain and irritation from calcium oxalate crystals, primarily affecting the mouth and GI tract. If you call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, mention the plant by name so they can quickly rule out true lily toxicity.

Yes, calla lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) are toxic to dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing upon ingestion.

The first signs are usually pawing at the mouth, head shaking, and a sudden distressed expression — these appear within seconds of biting the plant. Heavy drooling or foaming, lip or tongue swelling, vomiting, and a temporary refusal to eat or drink typically follow, with symptoms peaking within the first 30 to 60 minutes. Most dogs settle within 12 to 24 hours with supportive care.

Wipe out your dog's mouth with a clean damp cloth to remove plant fragments and offer cool, fresh water to rinse the oral tissue — do not induce vomiting. Avoid milk, peanut butter, vegetable oil, or salt, which are ineffective and sometimes harmful. Then call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

All parts of the calla lily contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, so any contact — chewing a leaf, stem, or flower — can trigger immediate burning and irritation. Call your vet right away if you notice swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, audible changes in breathing, or drooling that does not settle within an hour.