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If your cat ate philodendron imperial red — 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 Imperial Red is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Philodendron Imperial Red — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take philodendron imperial red 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 imperial red — FAQ

Is philodendron imperial red poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Philodendron Imperial Red (Philodendron erubescens 'Imperial Red') as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (family Araceae) as toxic to both, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. The 'Imperial Red' cultivar is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the genus is firmly listed as toxic, so treat it as unsafe and contact a vet if a pet chews it.

How serious is it if my cat ate philodendron imperial red?

Philodendron Imperial Red 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. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (family Araceae) as toxic to both, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. The 'Imperial Red' cultivar is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the genus is firmly listed as toxic, so treat it as unsafe and contact a vet if a pet chews it. 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 imperial red well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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