At a glance
| Plant | Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
| Toxic principle | insoluble calcium oxalate crystals |
| Signs ASPCA lists | mouth irritation, with burning of the mouth, tongue and lips; heavy drooling; vomiting; trouble swallowing |
| ASPCA page | Calla Lily, checked November 10, 2026 |
What else to know
Despite the name, calla is not a true lily. NC State places it in the arum family (Araceae), with peace lily. ASPCA also calls it arum lily, pig lily, white arum and trumpet lily.
For cats, the kidney failure ASPCA lists for true lilies (Lilium) isn’t on the calla lily page.
Look-alikes
- True lily (Lilium): toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). For cats, ASPCA lists kidney failure. For dogs, it lists true lilies as non-toxic, while calla lily is toxic.
Care basics
Light: Full sun to part shade; part shade in hot climates to avoid scorch.
Soil and water: Moist, rich soil. It can grow in up to 12 inches of water at pond edges. Hardy to zone 8; bring it in where winters are colder.
Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Zantedeschia aethiopica.
If your pet ate some
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, as soon as you can. ASPCA runs the line 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and says a consultation fee may apply.
Call (888) 426-4435 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control
This page is reference information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity facts are summarized in our own words from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list; Plamp is not affiliated with the ASPCA.
