Pet emergency
My cat ate Philodendron Billietiae — what to do
Step by step
- Take philodendron billietiae 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 philodendron billietiae — FAQ
Is philodendron billietiae poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Philodendron Billietiae (Philodendron billietiae) as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. Philodendron billietiae is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, but ASPCA lists the genus Philodendron and every member entry (e.g. tree, split-leaf, horsehead, cutleaf) as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals - no Philodendron is listed as non-toxic. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth/tongue/lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate philodendron billietiae?
Philodendron Billietiae 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. Philodendron billietiae is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, but ASPCA lists the genus Philodendron and every member entry (e.g. tree, split-leaf, horsehead, cutleaf) as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals - no Philodendron is listed as non-toxic. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth/tongue/lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 philodendron billietiae well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is philodendron billietiae toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Philodendron Billietiae and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide