Pet safety
Is Philodendron Silver Swordtoxic to cats & dogs?
Philodendron hastatum 'Silver Sword'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Philodendron hastatum 'Silver Sword'
Is philodendron silver sword safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Philodendron Silver Sword 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. Philodendron hastatum 'Silver Sword' is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but every Philodendron the ASPCA lists (heartleaf, tree, horsehead, split-leaf and variegated) is classified toxic to dogs and cats, none non-toxic. The genus contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and lips, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Treat as toxic and keep away from pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats philodendron silver sword?
Philodendron hastatum 'Silver Sword' is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but every Philodendron the ASPCA lists (heartleaf, tree, horsehead, split-leaf and variegated) is classified toxic to dogs and cats, none non-toxic. The genus contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and lips, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Treat as toxic and keep away from pets. 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 silver sword, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate philodendron silver sword
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move philodendron silver sword 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 silver sword 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 silver sword
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 Silver Sword and pets — frequently asked questions
Is philodendron silver sword toxic to cats?
Philodendron Silver Sword (Philodendron hastatum 'Silver Sword') is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Philodendron hastatum 'Silver Sword' is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but every Philodendron the ASPCA lists (heartleaf, tree, horsehead, split-leaf and variegated) is classified toxic to dogs and cats, none non-toxic. The genus contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and lips, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Treat as toxic and keep away from pets. 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 silver sword toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Philodendron Silver Sword is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like philodendron silver sword is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats philodendron silver sword?
Philodendron hastatum 'Silver Sword' is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but every Philodendron the ASPCA lists (heartleaf, tree, horsehead, split-leaf and variegated) is classified toxic to dogs and cats, none non-toxic. The genus contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and lips, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Treat as toxic and keep away from pets. 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 silver sword, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate philodendron silver sword?
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 silver sword to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to philodendron silver sword?
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 silver sword care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete philodendron silver sword care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.