Is Italian Arum Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Italian Lords-and-Ladies, Cuckoo Pint, Arum Lily lookalike · Arum italicum
What makes it toxic
Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides plus irritating saponins throughout leaves, stems and especially the showy orange berries.
Warning signs to watch for
Immediate burning mouth pain, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, swelling of tongue and throat, and difficulty swallowing.
What to do if your cat eats it
Rinse the mouth thoroughly, offer water or milk and call your vet. Any noisy breathing or persistent gagging means go to a clinic immediately.
Common questions
Are the orange berries the worst part?
Yes — they are dense with crystals and persist through winter at cat eye level. Remove berry stalks before they ripen.
Is Italian arum the same as calla danger?
It behaves like calla and dumb cane — same oxalate injury. All of these aroids are unsafe around cats.
Can one berry hurt a cat?
One berry usually means pain, drooling and a vomit rather than emergency, but the dose and the cat decide. A vet call is cheap insurance.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.