Is a calla lily toxic to cats?
Also called: arum lily, Zantedeschia, Zantedeschia aethiopica, pig lily, white arum, florist's calla, garden calla
Toxic
Irritates the mouth and stomach. It is not a true lily and does not cause kidney failure.
It's toxic to cats, but not in the way true lilies are. It causes mouth pain, drooling and vomiting rather than kidney failure.
Signs to watch for
- Mouth irritation and burning, heavy drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Why it's dangerous
- Like the peace lily, it contains crystals that irritate the mouth and stomach.
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
They do not cause kidney failure like true lilies and daylilies.
Read "Plants That are Toxic to Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Read "Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Calla Lily"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Read "Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Calla Lily"
Checked 9 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals
They do not cause kidney failure like true lilies and daylilies.
Read "Plants That are Toxic to Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Read "Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Calla Lily"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Calla and Peace lilies contain crystals that can cause oral pain and stomach upset.
Read "Household Hazards – Toxic Hazards for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026