Pet emergency
My cat ate Monstera obliqua — what to do
Step by step
- Take monstera obliqua 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 obliqua — FAQ
Is monstera obliqua poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Monstera obliqua (Monstera obliqua) as toxic to cats. Monstera obliqua is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus is represented by Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates. As an aroid (Araceae), obliqua should be treated the same way. Ingestion can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; keep away from pets and verify with your vet.
How serious is it if my cat ate monstera obliqua?
Monstera obliqua 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. Monstera obliqua is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus is represented by Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates. As an aroid (Araceae), obliqua should be treated the same way. Ingestion can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; keep away from pets and verify with your vet. 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 obliqua well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is monstera obliqua toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Monstera obliqua and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide