Pet safety
Is Rhaphidophora Pertusatoxic to cats & dogs?
Rhaphidophora pertusa
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Rhaphidophora pertusa
Is rhaphidophora pertusa safe for cats and dogs?
No — rhaphidophora pertusa 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. Rhaphidophora is an aroid in the same family as Monstera and Philodendron. The ASPCA classifies these aroids as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, mouth and tongue irritation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats rhaphidophora pertusa?
Rhaphidophora is an aroid in the same family as Monstera and Philodendron. The ASPCA classifies these aroids as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, mouth and tongue irritation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from 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 rhaphidophora pertusa, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate rhaphidophora pertusa
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move rhaphidophora pertusa 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 rhaphidophora pertusa 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 rhaphidophora pertusa
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)
Rhaphidophora Pertusa and pets — frequently asked questions
Is rhaphidophora pertusa toxic to cats?
Rhaphidophora Pertusa (Rhaphidophora pertusa) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Rhaphidophora is an aroid in the same family as Monstera and Philodendron. The ASPCA classifies these aroids as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, mouth and tongue irritation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from 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 rhaphidophora pertusa toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Rhaphidophora Pertusa (Rhaphidophora pertusa) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like rhaphidophora pertusa is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats rhaphidophora pertusa?
Rhaphidophora is an aroid in the same family as Monstera and Philodendron. The ASPCA classifies these aroids as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, mouth and tongue irritation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from 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 rhaphidophora pertusa, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate rhaphidophora pertusa?
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 rhaphidophora pertusa to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to rhaphidophora pertusa?
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 rhaphidophora pertusa care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete rhaphidophora pertusa care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.