Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Elephant Ear toxic to cats?

High severity

Yes. Exposure can cause serious illness and needs prompt veterinary attention.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Drooling
  • Oral pain
  • Poor appetite
  • Retching
  • Vomiting
  • Swelling of the upper airway
  • Difficulty breathing

How vets treat it

Veterinary care is recommended for persistent gastrointestinal signs; seek immediate veterinary care for any respiratory difficulty.

Why it's dangerous

Chewing the plant releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that penetrate and irritate the tissues of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Toxic compound: insoluble calcium oxalate crystals

Good to know

Rarely, swelling of the upper airway occurs making it difficult to breathe. Part of the Araceae family.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

More substances toxic to cats

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