Pet safety
Is Philodendrontoxic to cats & dogs?
Philodendron hederaceum
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Philodendron hederaceum
Is philodendron safe for cats and dogs?
No — philodendron 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. ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats philodendron?
ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty. 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 philodendron, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate philodendron
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move philodendron 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 philodendron 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 philodendron
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)
Philodendron and pets — frequently asked questions
Is philodendron toxic to cats?
Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty. 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 philodendron toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like philodendron is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats philodendron?
ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty. 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 philodendron, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate philodendron?
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 philodendron to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to philodendron?
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 philodendron care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete philodendron care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.
Spotted a problem with your philodendron? Try the philodendron diagnosis tool — ranked causes and fixes for yellow leaves, drooping, brown spots, and other common philodendron problems.