Painter’s Palette (Anthurium andraeanum), also known as flamingo flower or laceleaf, is a popular ornamental houseplant. However, this colorful plant can be toxic to cats if ingested.
Painter’s Palette contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats. This plant is commonly found indoors as a decorative houseplant.
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 your cat has chewed on or ingested any part of a Painter’s Palette plant, watch for these symptoms of toxicity:
In severe cases, swelling of the airways may occur, making it difficult for the cat to breathe. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
If you suspect your cat has ingested Painter’s Palette, take it to the vet right away. Your vet will likely:
A: Yes, Painter’s Palette is toxic to cats. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause symptoms like oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting when ingested.
A: If a cat eats Painter’s Palette, it may experience severe oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Immediate veterinary care is recommended to manage the symptoms and prevent further complications.
A: Yes, all parts of the Painter’s Palette plant are toxic to cats. This includes the leaves, stems, and flowers, which contain harmful compounds that can cause poisoning.
A: Even small amounts of Painter’s Palette can be harmful to cats. Ingesting any part of the plant can result in toxic reactions, so it’s important to keep this plant away from pets.
A: While Painter’s Palette poisoning is rarely fatal, it can cause serious discomfort and health issues for cats. Prompt treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term damage.
A: If your cat ingests Painter’s Palette, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention is crucial to minimize the toxic effects and ensure a full recovery for your pet.
Painter’s Palette or flamingo flower is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It was first described by French botanist Édouard André in 1877. This evergreen perennial was then introduced to Hawaii, where it became a popular ornamental plant and was bred into many colorful varieties.
Today, Painter’s Palette is commonly grown as a houseplant worldwide and is also used in floral arrangements. However, its toxic properties make it dangerous for cat households.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
