What are the symptoms if a cat eats Homalomena Selby / Homalomena rubescens?

Mouth Irritation (Pain/Burning), Drooling (Hypersalivation), Vomiting, Reluctance to Eat / Difficulty Swallowing, Diarrhea, Lethargy

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⚠ Caution

Homalomena Selby / Homalomena rubescens

Q: Is Homalomena Selby / Homalomena rubescens toxic to cats?

Caution: potentially harmful. Homalomena ‘Selby’ is a tropical houseplant in the Araceae family. Like pothos, philodendron, and dieffenbachia, it is unsafe for cats because the leaves and stems contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals. When a cat bites the plant, the crystals can press into the mouth and throat like tiny needles. This causes fast pain and burning. The plant’s sap may add more irritation, especially on the lips, tongue, or throat. A cat may drool, paw at the mouth, vomit, or have swelling of the lips or tongue. Most cats stop chewing quickly because it hurts, but swelling can still be serious. Keep Homalomena out of reach, rinse the mouth gently with water if safe, and call a veterinarian if swelling, vomiting, or breathing trouble appears.

Homalomena Selby

Homalomena ‘Selby’ is a tropical houseplant in the Araceae family. Like pothos, philodendron, and dieffenbachia, it is unsafe for cats because the leaves and stems contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals. When a cat bites the plant, the crystals can press into the mouth and throat like tiny needles. This causes fast pain and burning. The plant’s sap may add more irritation, especially on the lips, tongue, or throat. A cat may drool, paw at the mouth, vomit, or have swelling of the lips or tongue. Most cats stop chewing quickly because it hurts, but swelling can still be serious. Keep Homalomena out of reach, rinse the mouth gently with water if safe, and call a veterinarian if swelling, vomiting, or breathing trouble appears.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; the plant’s cell sap also contains proteolytic enzymes

Mechanism: crystal penetration of the mouth and throat lining causes mechanical burning and inflammation

Symptoms: sudden oral pain, intense drooling, pawing at mouth, swollen lips or tongue, difficulty swallowing, vomiting

All parts of the plant are hazardous; the reaction is immediate and self-limiting

Rinse the mouth with water; seek veterinary care if swallowing is impaired or symptoms do not resolve

Potentially Toxic Parts

Root

Stem

Leaf

Entire Plant

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Mouth Irritation (Pain/Burning)

Gastrointestinal · Immediate (Upon chewing the plant material).

Drooling (Hypersalivation)

Gastrointestinal · Immediate.

Vomiting

Gastrointestinal · Acute.

Reluctance to Eat / Difficulty Swallowing

Gastrointestinal · Acute.

Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal · Delayed (Following ingestion of larger quantities).

Lethargy

Neurological · Acute/Delayed.

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.