Pet emergency
My cat ate Philodendron White Knight — what to do
Step by step
- Take philodendron white knight 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 white knight — FAQ
Is philodendron white knight poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Philodendron White Knight (Philodendron 'White Knight') as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (e.g. heartleaf, tree and horsehead philodendron) as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates; White Knight is a Philodendron cultivar and shares this toxicity. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets and call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate philodendron white knight?
Philodendron White Knight 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 (e.g. heartleaf, tree and horsehead philodendron) as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates; White Knight is a Philodendron cultivar and shares this toxicity. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets and call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 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 white knight well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is philodendron white knight toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Philodendron White Knight and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide