# Are Calla Lilies Toxic to Cats? Symptoms and Care Is calla lily toxic to cats? Yes. The calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense mouth pain, drooling, and swelling when a cat chews on it [1]. The good news is that this plant is an irritant, not a true lily, so it does not cause the kidney failure linked to Easter lilies and other Lilium species. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Calla lilies are toxic to cats because of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are sharp enough to injure the mouth and throat on contact [1]. - All parts of the plant matter here: leaves, stems, flowers, and pollen can all trigger irritation [1]. - Signs usually start within minutes of chewing and include drooling, pawing at the mouth, and swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat [1]. - Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away for guidance. - Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. ## Is Calla Lily Toxic to Cats? Yes, calla lily is toxic to cats, and the ASPCA lists it as toxic to both cats and dogs [1]. The plant also goes by names like pig lily, white arum, trumpet lily, florist's calla, garden calla, and arum lily, so you may see it labeled differently at a garden center or florist [1]. The scientific name is *Zantedeschia aethiopica*, and it belongs to the Araceae family, the same plant family as philodendron, pothos, and peace lily [1]. That family connection matters because these plants share the same irritating chemistry. ### Are Calla Lilies Poisonous to Cats, or Just Irritating? Both words get used, but "irritating" is the more accurate description for how this plant behaves in the body. The ASPCA classifies the toxic principle as insoluble calcium oxalate crystals [1]. These crystals are not absorbed into the bloodstream in a way that poisons organs. Instead, they cause direct mechanical and chemical injury where they touch tissue. That difference is why a calla lily exposure is usually a painful but manageable problem, while a true lily exposure is a medical emergency. If you want to understand that distinction more fully, see [Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-lilies-toxic-to-cats). ### Are Calla Lily Leaves Toxic to Cats? Yes. The leaves contain the same calcium oxalate crystals as the rest of the plant, and they are often the part a cat reaches first because they are low and easy to bite [1]. A single chew can release enough crystals to cause immediate oral pain. ### Calla Lily Pollen Toxic to Cats? The pollen is not the main toxic concern, but it is not harmless either. A cat that grooms pollen off its coat or paws can transfer plant material to its mouth, and any plant tissue containing calcium oxalate crystals can irritate the mouth and lips [1]. If your cat walked through or brushed against a calla lily, wipe down the coat and paws with a damp cloth and watch for drooling or mouth pawing. ### Are Mini Calla Lilies Toxic to Cats? Yes. Mini calla lilies are smaller versions of the same plant and carry the same insoluble calcium oxalate crystals [1]. Size changes how much plant material a cat can eat in one bite, not whether the plant is toxic. ### Is Pink Calla Lily Toxic to Cats? Yes. Flower color does not change toxicity. Pink, white, yellow, orange, and purple calla lilies all belong to the same group and all contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals [1]. Do not assume a colored variety is safer. ## The Toxic Principle and What It Does in the Body Plants cause harm through a wide range of chemical toxins, including alkaloids, glycosides, proteins, and amino acids, and different species can respond differently to the same plant [2]. Calla lily fits into the irritant category instead of the systemic poison category. When a cat bites into a calla lily leaf, stem, or flower, microscopic crystal bundles called raphides are released. These needle-like crystals pierce the soft tissue of the mouth, tongue, gums, and throat. The result is immediate burning pain, swelling, and excessive salivation [1]. The ASPCA describes the clinical signs as oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing [1]. Because the injury is local, the severity depends on how much plant material was chewed and how deeply it was swallowed. A cat that takes one bite and spits it out may have mild drooling for a short time. A cat that swallows a chunk of stem can develop more significant swelling and swallowing trouble. One important point: calcium oxalate appears in other contexts in veterinary medicine, including kidney damage from antifreeze poisoning, where calcium oxalate crystals deposit in the kidneys [3]. That is a completely different process from chewing a calla lily. Do not let the shared crystal name confuse you. Calla lily exposure does not cause antifreeze-type kidney injury. ## Signs and Their Typical Timeline Most signs appear within minutes of chewing, because the crystals act on contact. Watch for: - Drooling, sometimes profuse - Pawing at the mouth or face - Rubbing the muzzle on the floor or furniture - Swelling of the lips, tongue, or muzzle - Redness or visible irritation inside the mouth - Crying out or refusing to eat - Vomiting - Difficulty swallowing - Head shaking The ASPCA lists oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing as the expected clinical signs [1]. Mild cases often improve over several hours to a day as the plant material is cleared from the mouth. More significant swelling can take longer to settle and may need veterinary support. If your cat cannot swallow, is breathing with effort, or has swelling that seems to be closing the throat, that is an emergency. ## What to Do Right Now 1. Move the plant out of reach and take a photo of it, including any chewed leaves, so you can confirm the identification. 2. Look in your cat's mouth if it will let you. Do not force it if your cat is painful or fractious, since bites happen. 3. Wipe out the mouth gently with a damp cloth or offer a small amount of water or milk to help rinse crystals from the tissue. Do not pour liquid into the mouth of a cat that is having trouble swallowing. 4. Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both poison control services charge a consultation fee and can advise your veterinarian directly. 5. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Vomiting does not remove crystals already embedded in the mouth, and it can worsen throat irritation. 6. Do not give human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats, and the dose depends on your cat's weight and health, which only a veterinarian can calculate. If you are not sure whether the plant in your home is a calla lily or something else, bring a cutting or clear photos with you. Plant identification is one of the most useful things you can provide. For a broader look at what to keep out of reach, see [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) and [Flowers That Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/flowers-that-are-toxic-to-cats). ## Veterinary Treatment Treatment is supportive and focused on comfort. Your veterinarian will examine the mouth and throat, check for swelling that could affect breathing, and may rinse the mouth to remove remaining plant material. Common steps include: - Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs given at a dose calculated for your cat's weight and health - Fluids under the skin or into a vein if your cat is dehydrated or not drinking - Anti-nausea medication if vomiting is ongoing - A soft or liquid diet for a day or two if swallowing is sore - Medications to reduce stomach upset if plant material was swallowed Most cats with mild exposure do not need hospitalization. Cats with significant oral swelling, repeated vomiting, or difficulty breathing may need to stay for monitoring and intravenous fluids. Your veterinarian will decide based on the exam, not on a standard protocol. ## Outlook The outlook for calla lily exposure in cats is generally good. Most toxic plant ingestions cause mild effects or none at all, and many do not require treatment [2]. Because calla lily injury is local instead of systemic, cats that receive prompt supportive care usually recover fully. The exceptions are cats with heavy exposure, cats that develop severe throat swelling, and cats with underlying heart, kidney, or airway disease. Those cats need closer monitoring. If your cat has a history of oral or airway problems, mention it when you call. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives The simplest prevention is to keep calla lilies out of your home entirely, or to place them where a cat cannot reach them. That means no low tables, no floor pots, and no cut arrangements within jumping distance. Cats are creative climbers, so a high shelf is not always enough. If you receive calla lilies as a gift, consider rehoming them to a cat-free household or keeping them in a closed room your cat never enters. Wash your hands after handling the plant, and wipe down surfaces where pollen or sap may have landed. When you want flowers in the house, choose cat-safe options. Ask your florist directly, and check each plant against a reliable toxic plant list before bringing it home. For more ideas on what to avoid and what to substitute, see [What Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) and [What Plants And Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-and-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats). Finally, remember that plant toxicity varies by species, and cats are not small dogs [2]. A plant that causes mild drooling in a dog can cause more distress in a cat, and the reverse is also true. When in doubt, call before you wait. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article covers the general pattern of calla lily exposure in cats. It cannot tell you how your individual cat will respond. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your cat, see the swelling, and judge the airway. Contact a veterinarian the same day if your cat: - Chewed a calla lily and is drooling or pawing at the mouth - Vomited once or twice but is otherwise bright and drinking - Has mild lip or tongue swelling but is breathing normally Go to an emergency clinic now if your cat: - Is breathing with effort, making noise, or extending the neck to breathe - Has swelling that appears to be closing the throat - Cannot swallow or is gagging continuously - Collapsed, is weak, or is unresponsive - Has been vomiting repeatedly for more than a few hours Schedule a routine visit if your cat had possible contact but shows no signs after a few hours. Your veterinarian can examine the mouth, confirm there is no retained plant material, and give you a plan to watch at home. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is a calla lily the same as a true lily? No. Calla lilies belong to the Araceae family and contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, while true lilies belong to the Lilium genus and can cause kidney failure in cats [1]. This is why a calla lily exposure is usually a pain and irritation problem, and a true lily exposure is a life-threatening emergency. ### Will my cat die from eating a calla lily? Death is very unlikely from calla lily exposure alone. The crystals cause local irritation instead of organ damage, and most cats recover with supportive care [1]. The main risk is airway swelling in a cat that chewed a large amount, which is why any breathing change needs immediate veterinary attention. ### How long do calla lily symptoms last in cats? Mild drooling and mouth pain often ease within a few hours to a day as the plant material clears. More significant swelling can take longer and may need pain medication and fluids. Your veterinarian can give you a better timeline after examining your cat. ### Can I treat my cat at home after calla lily exposure? You can rinse the mouth and offer water, but you should still call a veterinarian or poison control for advice. Do not give human medications, and do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Home care is not a substitute for a professional assessment when the mouth or throat is swollen. ### Are calla lilies dangerous to cats if they only touch the plant? Touching the plant is much less risky than chewing it. The crystals need to contact the mouth, tongue, or throat to cause the classic signs [1]. If your cat brushed against the plant, wipe the coat and paws and watch for drooling or mouth pawing over the next hour. ## Related Articles - [Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-lilies-toxic-to-cats) - [Flowers That Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/flowers-that-are-toxic-to-cats) - [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) - [What Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants And Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-and-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats) - [Are Peace Lilies Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/peace-lilies-toxic-cats) - [Is Daylily Pollen Toxic to Cats? Lily Danger Warning](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/daylily-pollen-toxic-cats) - [Are Tiger Lilies Poisonous to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/tiger-lilies-poisonous-cats) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Calla Lily](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/calla-lily). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Poisonous plants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20358683/). EXS, 2010. 3. [Ethylene glycol poisoning in a free-roaming cat associated with suspected animal cruelty: a forensic veterinary case report in South Korea](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42221951/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2026. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet)