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If your cat ate philodendron pedatum (oak leaf) — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Philodendron Pedatum (Oak Leaf) is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Philodendron Pedatum (Oak Leaf) — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take philodendron pedatum (oak leaf) 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate philodendron pedatum (oak leaf) — FAQ

Is philodendron pedatum (oak leaf) poisonous to cats?

Yes — Philodendron Pedatum (Oak Leaf) (Philodendron pedatum) is regarded as toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Philodendron pedatum is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic-plant database, but every Philodendron the ASPCA does list (heartleaf, tree, split-leaf/horsehead and others) is toxic to cats and dogs via insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, with no non-toxic members in the genus. Treat it as toxic — chewing causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and tongue, drooling and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with your vet.

How serious is it if my cat ate philodendron pedatum (oak leaf)?

Philodendron Pedatum (Oak Leaf) is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. Philodendron pedatum is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic-plant database, but every Philodendron the ASPCA does list (heartleaf, tree, split-leaf/horsehead and others) is toxic to cats and dogs via insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, with no non-toxic members in the genus. Treat it as toxic — chewing causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and tongue, drooling and vomiting. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep philodendron pedatum (oak leaf) well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

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