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Is Oxycardium toxic to cats?

Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium

Toxic to cats

Yes — oxycardium 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. ASPCA lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. As a Philodendron hederaceum variety, its leaves, stems, and sap contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed. Keep out of reach of pets and consult a vet if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate oxycardium

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move oxycardium out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of oxycardium to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten oxycardium, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is oxycardium toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is oxycardium toxic to cats?

Yes — oxycardium is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. As a Philodendron hederaceum variety, its leaves, stems, and sap contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed. Keep out of reach of pets and consult a vet if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats oxycardium?

ASPCA lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. As a Philodendron hederaceum variety, its leaves, stems, and sap contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed. Keep out of reach of pets and consult a vet if ingested. 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 oxycardium.

What should I do if my cat ate oxycardium?

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 oxycardium toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Oxycardium is toxic to dogs as well. See the full oxycardium pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to oxycardium?

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 oxycardium pet-safety