Pet safety
Is Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine) toxic to cats?
Monstera adansonii
Yes — monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Monstera and other aroids (family Araceae), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; when chewed, these needle-like raphides cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA does not list M. adansonii by name but lists its close relative Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) as toxic to both cats and dogs on the same insoluble-calcium-oxalate basis, and NC State Extension states M. adansonii is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Treated conservatively as toxic; keep out of reach of pets and children.
What to do if your cat ate monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) 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 monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine), contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) toxic to cats?
Yes — monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Monstera and other aroids (family Araceae), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; when chewed, these needle-like raphides cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA does not list M. adansonii by name but lists its close relative Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) as toxic to both cats and dogs on the same insoluble-calcium-oxalate basis, and NC State Extension states M. adansonii is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Treated conservatively as toxic; keep out of reach of pets and children.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)?
Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Monstera and other aroids (family Araceae), it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; when chewed, these needle-like raphides cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA does not list M. adansonii by name but lists its close relative Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) as toxic to both cats and dogs on the same insoluble-calcium-oxalate basis, and NC State Extension states M. adansonii is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Treated conservatively as toxic; keep out of reach of pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine).
What should I do if my cat ate monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)?
Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine) is toxic to dogs as well. See the full monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine)?
For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Full monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) pet-safety
- Is monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) toxic to dogs?
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete monstera adansonii (swiss cheese vine) care guide