Yes, alocasia plants are toxic to cats.
Alocasia is a genus of plants native to eastern Australia and the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. The genus is recognisable due to its broad, heart-shaped or arrowhead-shaped leaves. Because of its foliage, people also call it elephant’s ear, giant elephant’s ear, and Amazon elephant’s ear.
Both Pet Poison Helpline and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) state that alocasia plants are poisonous to cats. If a cat bites or chews into the plant, it releases insoluble, needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals. These are found throughout the alocasia plant.
What to do if your cat accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats alocasia plants: Watch for oral irritation such as excessive drooling, pawing at the face, and pain or swelling of her mouth, tongue, and lips. Aside from these, your cat may experience difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, and decrease in appetite. In rare cases, oxalate exposure may result in difficulty in breathing.
Contact your veterinarian immediately and report all your observations. Be sure to take the alocasia plant away from her. Additionally, remove any remaining plant material found on your cat’s hair, skin, or mouth. Continue monitoring your pet in a confined space until her symptoms disappear.
In summary: Alocasia plants are popular ornamental houseplants that can grow up to 12 feet tall with the right conditions. Though it may be tempting to add them to your growing plant collection, refrain from doing so if you own cats. They are harmful to pets just like other plants belonging to the Araceae family.
Always check these lists compiled by ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, and PetMD before exposing your feline pets to a new houseplant.
References:
Are Plants in the Alocasia Genus Poisonous?
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