Is Calla Lily toxic to cats?
Is Calla Lily toxic to cats?
Calla lily is not a true lily, but it is still commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs because chewing can irritate the mouth and stomach.
Names to check
Calla Lily common and scientific names
Scientific name: Zantedeschia species
Also searched as: arum lily
Common names can point to different plants. When buying or identifying a plant, use the scientific name on the label when possible.
What sources say
Source-backed safety notes
Calla lily is not a true lily, but it is still commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs because chewing can irritate the mouth and stomach.
Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and swallowing discomfort may be reported.
Common search question
Are calla lilies toxic to cats?
Yes. Calla lily is not a true lily, but it is still reported as toxic to cats and dogs. The main risk described in poison references is irritation from chewing the plant, so do not treat it as a cat-safe bouquet flower.
Name confusion
Is calla lily the same as Easter lily?
No. Calla lily is Zantedeschia, while Easter lily is a true lily in Lilium. Both should be kept away from cats, but the reason and severity notes differ, so the exact name matters.
True lily comparison
What makes calla lilies different from true lilies?
Calla lily is a lily-named plant, not a true lily. True lilies and daylilies are the cat-safety emergency group because veterinary poison sources discuss kidney-related danger. Calla lily is still listed as toxic, but this page keeps it separate so pet owners do not mix up two different plant groups.
Plant parts
Which part of a calla lily should I keep away from pets?
Treat the whole plant as off-limits when the page status is toxic. If a pet chewed leaves, stems, flowers, or unidentified plant material, save the label or photo and use a veterinarian or poison-control service for exposure guidance.
Symptoms search
What are symptoms of calla lily poisoning in cats?
Poison references commonly describe mouth and digestive irritation for insoluble-calcium-oxalate plants: drooling, oral discomfort, vomiting, or trouble swallowing may be reported. Symptoms can vary, so use the exact exposure details when calling a professional.
Next step
What should I do if my cat eats a calla lily?
Move the plant away, save the label or a photo, note the time and amount, and contact a veterinarian or poison-control service. Do not use a search result to choose a home treatment.
Safer alternatives to consider
These are not guarantees for every pet, but they are better starting points than plants marked toxic or high-risk.
Reported non-toxic
Rose
Rosa species
Roses are commonly reported as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, but thorns, pesticides, and fertilizers can still cause problems.
Reported non-toxic
Orchid
Phalaenopsis species
Phalaenopsis orchids are commonly listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs. Use the scientific name when checking a specific orchid.
Reported non-toxic
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Sunflower is commonly listed as non-toxic for cats, dogs, and horses, making it a safer bouquet choice than lilies.
Priority plant safety guides
Related plant safety pages
Use these related pages to compare lily names, toxic flower lists, and the checker result before making a plant decision.
Use the checker when you have a plant label, common name, or scientific name and need a first safety screen.
toxic flowers for catsCheck bouquet flowers before they enter a cat homeCompare lilies, calla lilies, tulips, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, peonies, and safer flower starting points.
my cat ate a lilyRead the emergency-first lily pageUse this when a cat may have chewed a true lily, daylily, Easter lily, or a confusing lily-named plant.
are calla lilies toxic to catsCalla lily safety notesCalla lily is not a true lily, but it is still not a cat-safe flower. The exact plant name matters.
easter lily poisonous to catsEaster lily risk for catsEaster lily is a true lily and should be treated as high risk for cats according to veterinary poison references.
are hostas toxic to catsHosta safety for petsHosta is a common shade plant that should not be treated as pet-safe for cats, dogs, or horses.
Editorial policy
How this Calla Lily safety answer is sourced
This page uses the exact plant name, animal-specific status, public source links, and a conservative safety note. Current source set for this record: ASPCA: Calla Lily, Pet Poison Helpline: Insoluble Calcium Oxalates.
Use limits
Can this page tell me whether my pet will be okay?
No. It can help you identify the plant and the reported risk category, but exposure decisions need a veterinarian or poison-control service. The page avoids home-treatment instructions, dose estimates, and unsupported severity claims.
Last reviewed and corrections
Last reviewed: 2026-08-15. Read the source, label, and correction policy. If you find a mismatch, send the exact plant name and source through the contact page.