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If your cat ate philodendron 'dean mcdowell' — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take philodendron 'dean mcdowell' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 'dean mcdowell' — FAQ

Is philodendron 'dean mcdowell' poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' (Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' (P. gloriosum × P. pastazanum)) as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. 'Dean McDowell' is a Philodendron (Araceae) hybrid and is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA lists every Philodendron it catalogues (heartleaf, tree, split-leaf and others) as toxic due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; no Philodendron is listed as non-toxic. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets and children.

How serious is it if my cat ate philodendron 'dean mcdowell'?

Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' 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. 'Dean McDowell' is a Philodendron (Araceae) hybrid and is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA lists every Philodendron it catalogues (heartleaf, tree, split-leaf and others) as toxic due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; no Philodendron is listed as non-toxic. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from 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 philodendron 'dean mcdowell' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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