Pet safety
Is Philodendron Imperial Redtoxic to cats & dogs?
Philodendron erubescens 'Imperial Red'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Philodendron erubescens 'Imperial Red'
Is philodendron imperial red safe for cats and dogs?
No — philodendron imperial red 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (family Araceae) as toxic to both, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. The 'Imperial Red' cultivar is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the genus is firmly listed as toxic, so treat it as unsafe and contact a vet if a pet chews it.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats philodendron imperial red?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (family Araceae) as toxic to both, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. The 'Imperial Red' cultivar is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the genus is firmly listed as toxic, so treat it as unsafe and contact a vet if a pet chews it. 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 imperial red, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate philodendron imperial red
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move philodendron imperial red 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 imperial red 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 imperial red
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:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Philodendron Imperial Red and pets — frequently asked questions
Is philodendron imperial red toxic to cats?
Philodendron Imperial Red (Philodendron erubescens 'Imperial Red') is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (family Araceae) as toxic to both, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. The 'Imperial Red' cultivar is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the genus is firmly listed as toxic, so treat it as unsafe and contact a vet if a pet chews it. 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 imperial red toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Philodendron Imperial Red is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like philodendron imperial red is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats philodendron imperial red?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (family Araceae) as toxic to both, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. The 'Imperial Red' cultivar is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the genus is firmly listed as toxic, so treat it as unsafe and contact a vet if a pet chews it. 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 imperial red, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate philodendron imperial red?
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 imperial red to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to philodendron imperial red?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail 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 imperial red care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete philodendron imperial red care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.