Anthurium
Anthurium scherzerianum
Yes — anthurium is toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists it (as flamingo flower) as toxic, citing insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes immediate mouth pain, swelling, and drooling.
Plate IAnthurium scherzerianum — flamingo flower. The lacquered red spathe is an aroid, armed with the same oxalate crystals as its relatives.
Three plants that look the part, without the risk.
Bold, glossy colour without the oxalate sting — all ASPCA non-toxic.
Bromeliad
Lacquered, long-lasting colour with the same tropical drama. Safe for cats.
Orchid
Sculptural, glossy blooms for a tabletop, entirely cat-safe.
Christmas Cactus
Bright, waxy seasonal flowers on a forgiving plant. ASPCA non-toxic.
What it does to a cat.
Yes — anthurium is toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists it under the name flamingo flower as toxic, the cause being insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing fires these needle-like raphides into the mouth and lips, producing immediate pain, swelling of the tongue and lips, drooling, and vomiting.
Anthurium's signature is that glossy, almost plastic-looking red or pink spathe — a clue to its identity, because the lacquered look is shared across the arum family. All parts of the plant carry the toxin, not just the showy flower.
The aroid family again
Anthurium sits alongside peace lily, calla lily, and dieffenbachia as a calcium-oxalate aroid. The pattern is consistent: a sore, swollen mouth that comes on fast and usually resolves within hours, with rare airway swelling as the one emergency to watch for.
Safe swaps
For the same bold, glossy tropical colour, a bromeliad is the closest cat-safe match; orchid and Christmas cactus also bring lasting colour and are ASPCA non-toxic.
What we have actually seen.
Oral pain & swelling
Raphide crystals fire into the mouth and lips on chewing — pain, swelling of the tongue and lips, and drooling within minutes.
Vomiting
Common after the oral irritation; usually self-limiting once the plant is removed.
Difficulty swallowing
A swollen, painful mouth can make eating and swallowing difficult for a day.
Airway swelling
Rare but serious — pronounced swelling can affect breathing and needs emergency care.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Flamingo Flower (Anthurium).Accessed May 2026 · aspca.org
- Pet Poison Helpline. Anthurium / Insoluble Oxalates.Reference list · 2024 ed.