Caladium / Elephant’s Ear

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Intense burning sensation and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips Immediate (upon chewing or biting). · The plant contains needle-like crystals (raphides) that embed in the tissue causing physical trauma and immediate pain. This pain often prevents the cat from consuming a lethal amount, but the local injury is significant.
2. 2
   Edema (Swelling) of the tongue, lips, and pharynx Immediate to Acute (rapid progression). · In severe cases, the swelling of the tongue and throat can be significant enough to cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or block the airway.
3. 3
   Dyspnea (Respiratory Distress) Acute (following swelling). · This typically results from the physical obstruction of the airway due to severe swelling of the pharynx and tongue.
4. 4
   Hypersalivation (Ptyalism) Immediate / Acute. · This is a physiological response to the intense burning and irritation in the oral cavity.Swelling of the Mouth and Throat (Edema)
5. 5
   Vomiting and Diarrhea Acute (following ingestion). · While the primary damage is oral, swallowing plant material or the body's reaction to the toxin can trigger vomiting and diarrhea.

Important notes

Caladium (Caladium spp.), commonly known as Elephant's Ear, is a tropical houseplant grown for its vivid, heart-shaped leaves in shades of red, pink, white, and green. All parts of the plant — leaves, stems, and especially the underground tubers — contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) that cause immediate mechanical injury to any soft tissue they contact. The tubers carry the highest crystal concentration and pose the greatest risk if a cat digs at potted plants.

• Symptoms: Immediate intense oral pain, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, swelling of the mouth, lips, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
• Tubers are most concentrated: A cat digging in a Caladium pot and biting the tuber receives the highest dose of oxalate crystals.
• Action: Rinse the cat's mouth with water to flush crystals. Seek veterinary attention if swelling is significant or symptoms do not resolve quickly.