Florist’s Calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica), also known as calla lily, arum lily, or trumpet lily, is a popular ornamental plant often found in floral arrangements and gardens. While beautiful, this plant is toxic to cats if ingested.
Fortunately, cats are not allergic to Florist’s Calla, but the plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and inflammation in the mouth, tongue, and gastrointestinal tract.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If a cat chews on or ingests any part of a Florist’s Calla plant, it may experience oral irritation, intense burning and inflammation of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Other symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, swelling of the upper airway can occur, making it difficult for the cat to breathe.
If you suspect your cat has ingested Florist’s Calla, seek immediate veterinary care. Your veterinarian will:
A: Yes, cats can be allergic to Florist’s Calla. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, sneezing, and skin irritation.
A: Yes, Florist’s Calla, also known as Calla Lily or Zantedeschia aethiopica, is toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of this plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
A: Symptoms of Florist’s Calla poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, oral irritation, and difficulty swallowing. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if ingestion is suspected.
A: To prevent contact, ensure that Florist’s Calla is not present in your home or garden. Keep your cat indoors or monitor outdoor activities closely to avoid exposure.
A: If your cat ingests Florist’s Calla, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
A: Yes, Florist’s Calla is commonly found in homes and gardens as an ornamental plant. It is important to ensure this plant is kept out of reach of cats to prevent accidental ingestion.
Florist’s Calla is native to southern Africa and has been cultivated for centuries as an ornamental plant. It was first described by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
The plant gained popularity during the Victorian era and has since become a staple in the floral industry, often used in wedding bouquets, Easter arrangements, and as a decorative houseplant.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
