# Is Rattlesnake Calathea Toxic to Cats? Plant Safety Is rattlesnake calathea toxic to cats? No. The rattlesnake calathea (Calathea lancifolia, also listed as Calathea insignis) is classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center [1]. That means the plant itself does not contain a recognized poison that harms cats, so a cat chewing a leaf is not a poisoning emergency. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Rattlesnake calathea is non-toxic to cats, according to the ASPCA [1]. The broader Calathea genus carries the same non-toxic listing [2]. - No toxic principle has been identified in Calathea, and no clinical signs of poisoning are listed for the plant [1]. - A cat that eats a leaf may still drool, gag, or vomit simply because plant material irritates the stomach. That is not the same as poisoning. - If your cat ate a calathea and seems fine, watch it for a few hours. If it vomits repeatedly, acts painful, or stops eating, call your veterinarian. - If you are not sure which plant your cat chewed, treat it as unknown and call for advice. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline is at (855) 764-7661. ## Is Rattlesnake Calathea Toxic to Cats? No. The ASPCA lists Calathea lancifolia, with the additional scientific name Calathea insignis, as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses [1]. The ASPCA also lists the genus Calathea spp. as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [2]. Rattlesnake plant cat safety is therefore straightforward: this is one of the plants you can keep in a home with cats without worrying about poisoning. ### Which Parts of the Plant Are Involved? All parts of a calathea fall under the same non-toxic listing. The ASPCA record does not single out leaves, stems, roots, or flowers as dangerous, and it lists no toxic principles and no clinical signs for the plant [1]. In practice, cats chew the leaves because they are broad, soft, and reachable. A cat may also dig in the potting soil or bat at a leaf. None of that changes the plant's safety status. ### What About Calathea lancifolia Specifically? Calathea lancifolia is the rattlesnake plant most people mean. It has long, wavy-edged leaves with dark green blotches and purple undersides. The ASPCA record for this species lists it as non-toxic to cats [1]. Other calatheas sold under the same genus, including pinstripe plant and peacock plant, fall under the general Calathea listing, which is also non-toxic to cats [2]. ### Are All Calatheas Safe for Cats? The ASPCA lists Calathea spp. as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [2]. That covers the common houseplant calatheas in this genus. Two cautions apply. First, plant names change. Some plants formerly called Calathea are now sold under the genus Goeppertia, and the ASPCA record you are relying on may not use that name. Second, a plant's label at the store is not proof of identity. If you cannot confirm the species, treat the plant as unknown and keep it out of reach until you can. ## The Toxic Principle and What It Does in the Body Calathea has no identified toxic principle. The ASPCA record lists no toxic principles for Calathea lancifolia and no clinical signs of poisoning [1]. Plant toxicity in general comes from a wide range of chemicals, including alkaloids, glycosides, proteins, and amino acids, and for some plants the exact toxin has never been identified [3]. Calathea is not one of the plants where a toxin has been found. Because there is no toxin, there is no target organ and no expected poisoning syndrome. If your cat vomits after chewing a calathea leaf, the most likely explanation is mechanical: a piece of fibrous leaf irritated the stomach or passed awkwardly. That is a stomach upset, not a toxic reaction. This matters because cat owners often search for "calathea toxic to cats" after seeing a conflicting label or a worried forum post. The ASPCA listing is the reference most veterinarians use, and it is clear on this genus [2][1]. ## Signs to Watch For and the Typical Timeline The ASPCA lists no clinical signs for Calathea toxicity because the plant is not toxic [1]. Any signs you see after your cat chews the plant are more likely related to eating plant material in general. Common, mild signs include: - Drooling or lip smacking - One or two episodes of vomiting - Gagging or coughing if a piece caught in the mouth - Reduced appetite for a meal or two - Mild stomach gurgling or soft stool These usually show up within minutes to a few hours of chewing and settle on their own. If your cat swallowed a large piece, vomiting may happen later as the material moves through the gut. Signs that are not explained by a non-toxic plant include repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, severe lethargy, belly pain when you touch it, straining to defecate, or a cat that will not eat for more than a day. Those signs point to something else, and your cat needs to be seen. If you have other plants in the house, it is worth knowing which ones are actually dangerous. Our overview of [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) covers the common household offenders, and [What Plants And Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-and-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) covers cut flowers and gift bouquets. ## What to Do Right Now If your cat chewed a rattlesnake calathea and seems normal, you do not need to rush anywhere. Remove the chewed leaves, wipe up any soil your cat scattered, and keep an eye on your cat for a few hours. If your cat is vomiting, drooling, or acting uncomfortable, call your veterinarian or one of the poison hotlines: - ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply [1]. - Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Have this information ready: your cat's weight, the plant's name, how much you think was eaten, and when it happened. If you still have the plant tag, keep it. A photo of the plant helps too. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Forcing vomiting can cause harm, and with a non-toxic plant there is usually no reason to do it. Do not give milk, oil, hydrogen peroxide, or human stomach remedies. Do not wait for signs to appear before calling if your cat ate a plant you cannot identify. If you are unsure whether the plant in question is a calathea or something else, our guide to [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats) can help you sort out what you have. ## Veterinary Treatment If Your Cat Ate a Calathea For a confirmed calathea ingestion in a cat that looks well, most veterinarians will not start treatment. There is no antidote because there is no toxin, and the ASPCA lists no toxic principles for the plant [1]. Care is supportive and based on what your cat is doing. If your cat has mild vomiting, your veterinarian may recommend holding food for a short time, then offering small bland meals. They may check hydration and treat nausea if it is persistent. If a large piece was swallowed, they may discuss whether imaging is needed to look for an obstruction. That decision is made case by case, based on your cat's exam and history. If the plant was misidentified and your cat actually ate something toxic, treatment depends on the toxin. For many plant exposures, adverse effects do not occur or are mild and no treatment is needed, but some plants are extremely toxic and small amounts can cause rapid death [3]. That is why correct plant identification matters more than any home remedy. Your veterinarian calculates any medication dose from your cat's weight and health status. No dose should ever be guessed at home. ## Outlook The outlook for a cat that ate rattlesnake calathea is excellent. The plant is non-toxic to cats, and no poisoning syndrome is expected [1]. Most cats that nibble a leaf have no signs at all or a brief stomach upset that resolves without treatment. The outlook changes if the plant was not actually a calathea. Cats are commonly exposed to toxic plants because they share our indoor spaces, and plant poisonings in pets are often mild but can occasionally be severe [3]. Getting the plant identified is the single most useful thing you can do. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives You do not need to rehome your rattlesnake calathea because of your cat. It is a safe plant to keep [2][1]. Still, a few habits reduce the chance of stomach upset and keep your cat out of the potting soil. - Put the plant where your cat cannot easily reach the leaves, such as a high shelf or a hanging planter. - Cover exposed soil with decorative stones or a fitted mesh so your cat does not dig or eat soil. - Offer cat grass or a catnip plant so your cat has a legal plant to chew. - Check every new plant's label and confirm the species before bringing it home. - Keep the ASPCA non-toxic plant list handy when you shop. If you want to compare calathea with another popular houseplant, our article on [Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-snake-plants-toxic-to-cats) explains why snake plants are a different story. For a broader list of plants to avoid, see [What Kind Of Plants Are Harmful To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-kind-of-plants-are-harmful-to-cats). ### Non-Toxic Lookalikes and True Toxic Mimics Calatheas are often grouped with other prayer plants in the Marantaceae family, and the ASPCA lists the genus as non-toxic to cats [2]. That makes the whole group a reasonable choice for cat homes. The risk is misidentification. A plant sold as a calathea could be a different species with similar striped or patterned leaves. Some lookalikes are genuinely dangerous. Oleander, for example, contains cardiac glycosides called cardenolides that are toxic to many species, and a poisoning case on a cattle farm killed all six animals on the property [4]. Oleander is not a houseplant, but it shows how much a plant's identity matters. If you cannot confirm a plant's identity, keep it away from your cat until you can. A veterinarian or your state's extension service can often help with identification. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian The ASPCA listing is clear that Calathea is non-toxic to cats [2][1]. The limitation is identification. The listing only helps if the plant in your home is truly a calathea. Contact your veterinarian the same day if your cat: - Vomits more than two or three times - Drools heavily or paws at its mouth for more than a few minutes - Refuses food for more than 24 hours - Has soft stool or diarrhea that lasts more than a day Go to an emergency clinic now if your cat: - Collapses, trembles, or has a seizure - Breathes fast or with effort - Has a swollen, painful belly - Vomits blood or has blood in the stool - Is unresponsive or hard to wake Call your veterinarian for a routine visit if your cat keeps chewing plants and you want help cat-proofing your home, or if you want the plants in your house identified. Every case is different. Your cat's age, weight, other health conditions, and what else it ate all affect the plan, so individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your cat. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is rattlesnake calathea toxic to cats? No. The ASPCA lists Calathea lancifolia as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [1]. A cat that chews a leaf is not at risk of poisoning from the plant itself. ### Is Calathea lancifolia the same as rattlesnake plant? Yes. Rattlesnake plant is a common name for Calathea lancifolia, which the ASPCA also lists under the name Calathea insignis [1]. The two names refer to the same plant in the ASPCA record. ### Can my cat get sick from eating calathea leaves? A cat can vomit or drool after eating any plant material, including a safe one. That reaction comes from the fiber and texture of the leaf, not from a toxin, since no toxic principle is listed for Calathea [1]. If vomiting is repeated or your cat looks unwell, call your veterinarian. ### Should I make my cat throw up after it eats a calathea? No. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. With a non-toxic plant there is usually no benefit, and forcing vomiting can cause its own problems. ### Are other prayer plants safe for cats? The ASPCA lists the Calathea genus as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, which covers the common prayer plants sold under that name [2]. Confirm the species on the tag, because plants with similar patterned leaves can belong to other genera with different safety profiles. ## Related Articles - [Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-snake-plants-toxic-to-cats) - [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats) - [What Kind Of Plants Are Harmful To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-kind-of-plants-are-harmful-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) - [Flowers That Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/flowers-that-are-toxic-to-cats) - [Is Calathea Toxic to Cats and Dogs? Pet Safety](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/calathea-toxic-cats-dogs) - [Is Calathea Rufibarba Toxic to Cats? What to Know](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/calathea-rufibarba-toxic-cats) - [Is Calathea Makoyana Toxic to Cats? Safety Facts](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/calathea-makoyana-toxic-cats) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Calathea Lancifolia 3](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/calathea-lancifolia-3). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Calathea](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/calathea). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 3. [Poisonous plants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20358683/). EXS, 2010. 4. [A Probable Fatal Case of Oleander (Nerium oleander) Poisoning on a Cattle Farm: A New Method of Detection and Quantification of the Oleandrin Toxin in Rumen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31349685/). Toxins, 2019. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants) - [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)