The Wild Calla, also known as Water Arum or Calla palustris, is a semi-aquatic perennial plant that can pose a toxic threat to cats if ingested. This plant is commonly found in bogs, marshes, and wet soils throughout the northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
While not as severely toxic as some other plants, the Wild Calla contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and inflammation in cats.
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 ingests any part of the Wild Calla plant, it may experience various symptoms due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause irritation and inflammation in the cat’s mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms include:
In rare cases, if a large amount of the plant is consumed, more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the airways may occur.
If you suspect your cat has ingested Wild Calla or is exhibiting symptoms of plant toxicity, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. Your vet will likely follow these steps to diagnose and treat your cat:
A: Yes, Wild Calla is harmful to cats. The plant contains toxic compounds that can cause severe oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested.
A: Symptoms of Wild Calla poisoning in cats include intense mouth irritation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. If your cat shows any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately.
A: Wild Calla is moderately toxic to pets, especially cats. Even a small amount can lead to significant discomfort and requires prompt medical attention.
A: Cats can recover from Wild Calla poisoning with timely treatment. The recovery depends on the amount ingested and how quickly veterinary care is administered.
A: It is not safe to have Wild Calla in a garden with cats due to its toxic nature. Consider planting non-toxic alternatives like catnip or basil to keep your pets safe.
A: If your cat ingests Wild Calla, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention is crucial to manage the symptoms and prevent serious health issues.
The Wild Calla has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The plant’s scientific name, Calla palustris, is derived from the Greek word “kallos,” meaning beauty, and the Latin word “palustris,” meaning “of the marshes.” The Wild Calla was first described by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753.Throughout history, the Wild Calla has been used for various purposes, including:
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
