Are Calla Lilies Toxic to Cats? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, calla lilies are mildly toxic to cats

Calla lilies are not true lilies. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause painful mouth irritation rather than kidney failure.

Calla Lilies and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Zantedeschia aethiopica
Also called	arum lily, trumpet lily
Toxic compound	Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
Toxic parts	All parts, especially the leaves and rhizome
Signs usually start	Immediate (within minutes of chewing)
Plant type	Flower

Symptoms of calla lilies poisoning in cats

Intense mouth pain and pawing at the face
Drooling
Vomiting
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
Difficulty swallowing

Why calla lilies are toxic to cats

The plant cells contain bundles of needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals (raphides). When a pet bites into the leaf, the crystals are ejected and embed in the mouth, tongue and throat, causing immediate burning pain, drooling and swelling. The crystals are not absorbed into the body, so organ damage is not expected.

What to do if your cat ate calla lilies

Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
Watch for intense mouth pain and pawing at the face, drooling, vomiting. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

Most cases need only supportive care. Gently rinse your pet's mouth with water and offer water to drink. A vet may give pain relief, anti-nausea medicine or an antihistamine for swelling. Go to a vet right away if you see swelling of the throat or any trouble breathing.

How to keep your cat away from calla lilies

Place calla lilies on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
In the garden, fence off beds, supervise cats that dig, and store bulbs in a closed container before planting.

Pet-safe alternatives to calla lilies

If you love flowers, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Calla Lilies and cats: FAQ

Are calla lilies poisonous to cats?

Calla Lilies are mildly toxic to cats. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can cause intense mouth pain and pawing at the face and drooling, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of calla lilies is toxic to cats?

All parts, especially the leaves and rhizome.

Can cats die from eating calla lilies?

It is very unlikely. Calla Lilies usually cause mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

How long after eating calla lilies will my cat show symptoms?

Immediate (within minutes of chewing).

Are calla lilies toxic to dogs too?

Yes, calla lilies are mildly toxic to dogs.

Other plants toxic to cats

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Are Calla Lilies Toxic to Cats?