Pet emergency
My cat ate Philodendron Pink Princess — what to do
Step by step
- Take philodendron pink princess 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 pink princess — FAQ
Is philodendron pink princess poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Philodendron Pink Princess (Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess') as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (Araceae) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. If a pet chews the leaves or stems, these microscopic crystals cause oral irritation, intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The sap can also irritate human skin and eyes, so wear gloves when pruning or taking cuttings.
How serious is it if my cat ate philodendron pink princess?
Philodendron Pink Princess 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, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (Araceae) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. If a pet chews the leaves or stems, these microscopic crystals cause oral irritation, intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The sap can also irritate human skin and eyes, so wear gloves when pruning or taking cuttings. 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 pink princess well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is philodendron pink princess toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Philodendron Pink Princess and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide