Pet safety
Is White Princess Philodendrontoxic to cats & dogs?
Philodendron erubescens 'White Princess'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Philodendron erubescens 'White Princess'
Is white princess philodendron safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists white princess philodendron as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. 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. The ASPCA lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. This Philodendron erubescens cultivar contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, burning lips and mouth, hypersalivation, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep it away from pets and small children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats white princess philodendron?
The ASPCA lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. This Philodendron erubescens cultivar contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, burning lips and mouth, hypersalivation, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep it away from pets and small 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 white princess philodendron, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate white princess philodendron
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move white princess 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 white princess 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 white princess 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)
White Princess Philodendron and pets — frequently asked questions
Is white princess philodendron toxic to cats?
White Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens 'White Princess') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. This Philodendron erubescens cultivar contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, burning lips and mouth, hypersalivation, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep it away from pets and small 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 white princess philodendron toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, White Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens 'White Princess') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like white princess philodendron is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats white princess philodendron?
The ASPCA lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. This Philodendron erubescens cultivar contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, burning lips and mouth, hypersalivation, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep it away from pets and small 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 white princess philodendron, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate white princess 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 white princess philodendron to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to white princess 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 white princess philodendron care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete white princess philodendron care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.