Pet safety
Is Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine)toxic to cats & dogs?
Monstera adansonii
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Monstera adansonii
Is monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine) is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Monstera and other aroids (family Araceae), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; when chewed, these needle-like raphides cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA does not list M. adansonii by name but lists its close relative Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) as toxic to both cats and dogs on the same insoluble-calcium-oxalate basis, and NC State Extension states M. adansonii is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Treated conservatively as toxic; keep out of reach of pets and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)?
Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Monstera and other aroids (family Araceae), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; when chewed, these needle-like raphides cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA does not list M. adansonii by name but lists its close relative Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) as toxic to both cats and dogs on the same insoluble-calcium-oxalate basis, and NC State Extension states M. adansonii is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Treated conservatively as toxic; keep out of reach of pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Prayer plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Calathea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Parlor palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Areca palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine) and pets — frequently asked questions
Is monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) toxic to cats?
Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine) (Monstera adansonii) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Monstera and other aroids (family Araceae), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; when chewed, these needle-like raphides cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA does not list M. adansonii by name but lists its close relative Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) as toxic to both cats and dogs on the same insoluble-calcium-oxalate basis, and NC State Extension states M. adansonii is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Treated conservatively as toxic; keep out of reach of pets and children. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine) is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)?
Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Monstera and other aroids (family Araceae), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; when chewed, these needle-like raphides cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA does not list M. adansonii by name but lists its close relative Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) as toxic to both cats and dogs on the same insoluble-calcium-oxalate basis, and NC State Extension states M. adansonii is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Treated conservatively as toxic; keep out of reach of pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include prayer plant, calathea, parlor palm, areca palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.