The Pig Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), also known as Calla Lily, Arum Lily, White Arum, Trumpet Lily, Florist’s Calla, or Garden Calla, is a popular ornamental plant that can be harmful to cats if ingested.
This plant is highly toxic to cats due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause severe irritation and burning sensations in the mouth, tongue, and lips. Pig Lilies are commonly found in gardens, floral arrangements, and as houseplants.
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 ingested any part of a Pig Lily, they may experience the following symptoms:
These symptoms occur due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates in the plant, which can cause severe irritation and discomfort to your cat’s oral cavity and digestive tract.
If you suspect your cat has ingested a Pig Lily, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care. Your veterinarian will likely follow these steps to diagnose and treat your cat:
A: Yes, the Pig Lily plant is harmful to cats because it contains insoluble calcium oxalates. When ingested, these can cause symptoms like mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting.
A: If a cat consumes any part of the Pig Lily, it may experience severe oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Immediate veterinary care is essential to prevent further complications.
A: Yes, all parts of the Pig Lily plant are toxic to cats due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. These can cause intense irritation in the mouth and gastrointestinal issues.
A: To keep your cat safe, ensure the Pig Lily is kept out of reach and consider removing it from your home entirely. Non-toxic alternatives like bamboo or spider plants can be safer options.
A: Symptoms of Pig Lily poisoning include excessive drooling, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Severe cases may require veterinary intervention to prevent more serious effects.
A: With prompt treatment, most cats can recover from Pig Lily poisoning. However, timely intervention by a veterinarian is critical to prevent long-term damage.
The perennial pea plant, Lathyrus latifolius, originated in Europe and Northwest Africa. It was introduced to American gardens before 1720, already popular in European landscapes. Thomas Jefferson sowed it at Monticello in 1807, cementing its place in early American horticulture.
Over time, the perennial pea’s vigorous growth and showy flowers made it a favorite for roadsides and gardens. Its ability to thrive in various conditions led to its naturalization across much of the United States. Today, this resilient plant continues to captivate gardeners with its colorful blooms and hardy nature.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
