Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
cat safety reference
Is Calla Lily safe for cats?
Zantedeschia aethiopica
The Arum Lily is a popular ornamental plant known for its striking white spathes, but it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon ingestion. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.
Calla LilyLily of the NilePig LilyZantedeschia aethiopica
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Rhizomatous perennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Calla lily isn't a 'true lily' — it doesn't cause the kidney failure that Easter or tiger lilies do in cats. It's an Araceae plant with calcium-oxalate raphides, so a chew triggers immediate mouth pain rather than a systemic crisis. Painful, but not the lily emergency many owners fear.
What to watch for
Intense pawing at the mouth and heavy drooling within minutes of a chew. Look for redness or swelling of the lips, tongue, and gums; vomiting; refusal to eat; and head-shaking. Rarely, swelling extends to the back of the throat — voice change or labored breathing means it has gone serious.
Time window
Pain and drooling start within minutes of biting the plant. Most cases settle in a few hours to 24 hours with supportive care; airway swelling, when it occurs, can develop unpredictably.
When to call the vet
Call your vet, or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, if drooling lasts more than an hour, you see visible swelling, your cat won't eat or drink, or vomiting persists. Any sign of difficulty breathing or swallowing is an emergency — go immediately. Mention the plant by name; the team can rule out 'true lily' (Lilium/Hemerocallis) toxicity quickly.
First aid at home
Wipe plant fragments from the mouth with a damp cloth and offer cold water. A small amount of milk or plain yogurt may help bind the oxalate crystals and reduce the burning. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet directs it.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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
Symptoms are generally localized to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if ingestion is suspected.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Calla Lily contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation.
Questions about Calla Lily
Is calla lily toxic to cats?
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.
What happens if my cat chews on a calla lily?
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.
What should I do if my cat ate a calla lily?
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.
Is calla lily the same as a 'true lily,' and is it equally dangerous for cats?
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.
Same cat verdict
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