The arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), also known as calla lily, is a beautiful flowering plant commonly found in gardens, parks, and as ornamental houseplants.
While cats are not actually allergic to arum lilies, these plants are highly toxic to cats if ingested. The arum lily contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which can cause severe irritation and inflammation in a cat’s mouth, throat, and digestive 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 an arum lily plant, it will likely start showing symptoms very quickly. The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals will cause:
In severe cases, swelling of the airways can make breathing difficult. Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your cat has ingested arum lily.
If you bring your cat to the vet suspecting arum lily poisoning, they will conduct a thorough examination to assess the severity. Here are the likely steps:
More info: Pet Poison Helpline – Calla Lily
A: Cats are not allergic to arum lilies, but these plants are highly toxic to cats if ingested. The toxicity is due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals present in the plant, which can cause severe irritation and inflammation in a cat’s mouth, throat, and digestive tract.
A: Symptoms of arum lily poisoning in cats include immediate pain and burning sensation in the mouth, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and decreased appetite. In severe cases, swelling of the airways can make breathing difficult.
A: If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of an arum lily, seek immediate veterinary care. The veterinarian will likely conduct a thorough examination, which may include blood tests, urinalysis, and possibly X-rays or ultrasounds to assess the extent of the poisoning and potential complications.
A: Yes, all parts of the arum lily plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic to cats if ingested.
A: Arum lilies, also known as calla lilies, are native to southern Africa, including South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. They have been cultivated as ornamental plants for centuries and were introduced to Europe sometime before the late 1600s, gaining popularity during the Victorian era.
A: While the article doesn’t specifically mention safe alternatives, it’s generally recommended that cat owners choose pet-safe plants. Some options include spider plants, Boston ferns, and catnip. Always research a plant’s safety before bringing it into a home with cats.
The arum lily is native to southern Africa, including South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. It has been cultivated as an ornamental plant for centuries and was brought to Europe sometime before the late 1600s. The plant gained popularity during the Victorian era as a symbol of purity and rebirth.
By the 20th century, arum lilies spread to other parts of the world as garden and houseplants. Despite their toxicity to cats, they remain a common horticultural plant today.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
