Pet emergency
My cat ate Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine) — what to do
Step by step
- Take monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) — FAQ
Is monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine) (Monstera adansonii) as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Monstera and other aroids (family Araceae), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; when chewed, these needle-like raphides cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA does not list M. adansonii by name but lists its close relative Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) as toxic to both cats and dogs on the same insoluble-calcium-oxalate basis, and NC State Extension states M. adansonii is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Treated conservatively as toxic; keep out of reach of pets and children.
How serious is it if my cat ate monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)?
Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine) is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Monstera and other aroids (family Araceae), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; when chewed, these needle-like raphides cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA does not list M. adansonii by name but lists its close relative Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) as toxic to both cats and dogs on the same insoluble-calcium-oxalate basis, and NC State Extension states M. adansonii is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Treated conservatively as toxic; keep out of reach of pets and children. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine) and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide