Homalomena Selby / Homalomena rubescens

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Mouth Irritation (Pain/Burning) Immediate (Upon chewing the plant material). · The needle-like crystals embed in the soft tissues of the mouth and tongue, causing immediate discomfort.
2. 2
   Drooling (Hypersalivation) Immediate. · This is a direct reaction to the pain and irritation caused by the crystals in the mouth.
3. 3
   Vomiting Acute. · Occurs as the body attempts to expel the irritating plant material.Reluctance to Eat (Anorexia)
4. 4
   Reluctance to Eat / Difficulty Swallowing Acute. · The cat may refuse food due to the pain and swelling in the mouth and throat.
5. 5
   Diarrhea Delayed (Following ingestion of larger quantities). · This symptom is noted specifically if the plant is "ingested in quantity."
6. 6
   Lethargy Acute/Delayed. · Like diarrhea, this is more likely to occur if a significant amount of the plant has been consumed.

Important notes

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.

• 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