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Pet safety

Is Painted Lady toxic to cats?

Philodendron 'Painted Lady'

Toxic to cats

Yes — painted lady 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 classifies Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, intense drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed.

What to do if your cat ate painted lady

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move painted lady 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 painted lady to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is painted lady toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is painted lady toxic to cats?

Yes — painted lady is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA classifies Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, intense drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats painted lady?

ASPCA classifies Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, intense drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed. 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 painted lady.

What should I do if my cat ate painted lady?

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 painted lady toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to painted lady?

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 painted lady pet-safety