Is Calathea Safe for Cats and Dogs?

Calathea (Calathea spp. (Goeppertia)), also called prayer plant, is non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

Calatheas (now often classified as Goeppertia) and the related prayer plant (Maranta) are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Their patterned leaves make them a popular pet-safe alternative to more irritating tropical plants such as philodendron or monstera.

How to recognize it

Calatheas have broad, oval leaves with striking patterns of stripes, feathering or purple undersides; many fold their leaves upward at night. Prayer plants (Maranta) are lower and more spreading, with similarly patterned leaves.

What to do

• As with any plant, eating a lot may cause mild stomach upset.
• Use pet-safe potting mix and fertilizer.

Which patterned-leaf plants look like calathea but are toxic?

Calathea is often recommended as the safe version of a striped or spotted tropical plant. The problem is that several toxic plants have similar leaves and sit on the same shelf at the store.

• Dieffenbachia (dumb cane): cream-splashed leaves on a thick cane-like stem. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema): silver or pink patterned leaves. Also contains calcium oxalate crystals.
• Caladium: thin, heart-shaped leaves in pink, red and white, often grown outdoors in summer. Same crystals.
• All three are in the arum family and can cause intense mouth pain, drooling and pawing at the mouth.

Are relatives like Stromanthe and Ctenanthe safe too?

Calathea, Maranta, Stromanthe and Ctenanthe all belong to the prayer-plant family (Marantaceae), and they are often sold together with simple labels like "calathea mix." The ASPCA lists calathea and Maranta as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

For the other members of the family, look up the exact name on the tag in the ASPCA plant database before assuming they are covered. A plant label that says only "tropical foliage" tells you nothing, so ask the store for the botanical name.

What is the real risk with a calathea at home?

The plant itself is not the concern. What gets used on it can be. Calatheas are prone to spider mites, and owners often reach for insecticidal sprays or systemic granules. Choose products labeled as safe around pets, follow the directions, and keep pets away until sprays have dried.

Leaf-shine wipes and sprays are another product pets can lick off. Plain water on a soft cloth works just as well for dusty leaves.

A cat that eats a large amount of leaves may vomit once or twice. Call a vet if vomiting continues or your pet seems unwell.

Toxic plants to tell apart from it

These look similar or are often sold alongside it. Check the label before buying.

• Mildly toxicDieffenbachia (dumb cane)

Common questions

Is calathea safe for pets?

Cats: Non-toxic. Dogs: Non-toxic. Yes. Calatheas and prayer plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Is it safe to keep calathea in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes. It is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. As with any plant, eating a lot may cause mild stomach upset.

What should I do if my pet chews calathea?

There is usually no emergency, because calathea is listed as non-toxic. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset, so call a vet if vomiting continues.

Which toxic plants look like calathea?

Watch out for dieffenbachia: they look similar or are often sold alongside it. Check the botanical name on the label before buying.

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Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).