Pet safety
Is Monstera obliquatoxic to cats & dogs?
Monstera obliqua
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Monstera obliqua
Is monstera obliqua safe for cats and dogs?
No — monstera obliqua is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. Monstera obliqua is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus is represented by Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates. As an aroid (Araceae), obliqua should be treated the same way. Ingestion can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; keep away from pets and verify with your vet.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats monstera obliqua?
Monstera obliqua is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus is represented by Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates. As an aroid (Araceae), obliqua should be treated the same way. Ingestion can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; keep away from pets and verify with your vet. 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 obliqua, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate monstera obliqua
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move monstera obliqua 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 obliqua 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 obliqua
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 obliqua and pets — frequently asked questions
Is monstera obliqua toxic to cats?
Monstera obliqua (Monstera obliqua) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Monstera obliqua is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus is represented by Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates. As an aroid (Araceae), obliqua should be treated the same way. Ingestion can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; keep away from pets and verify with your vet. 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 obliqua toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Monstera obliqua is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like monstera obliqua is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats monstera obliqua?
Monstera obliqua is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus is represented by Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates. As an aroid (Araceae), obliqua should be treated the same way. Ingestion can cause oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing; keep away from pets and verify with your vet. 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 obliqua, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate monstera obliqua?
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 obliqua to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to monstera obliqua?
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 obliqua care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete monstera obliqua care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.