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Toxic plant safety guide

Is Caladium toxic to cats and dogs?

Caladium contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause painful mouth and throat irritation if a pet chews it.

Quick safety answer

Caladium (Caladium spp.) is listed as moderate to high toxicity for pets. Relevant pets: dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. Keep this plant out of reach and treat any confirmed ingestion seriously.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Oral burning
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing

Symptoms can vary by pet size, amount eaten, and the exact plant part. A lack of symptoms right away does not always mean the exposure is safe.

What to do if your pet ate it

Remove the plant, save a photo or plant label, estimate how much was eaten and when, then call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional tells you to.

Emergency contacts: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

Safer alternatives

  • Calathea
  • Prayer plant
  • Peperomia
  • Nerve plant

Sources

This page uses conservative wording based on veterinary and poison-control plant safety references.

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control toxic plant database
  • Pet Poison Helpline calcium oxalate plant guidance
  • Veterinary toxicology references on insoluble oxalates