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Is Philodendron toxic to cats?

Philodendron hederaceum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists philodendron as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty.

What to do if your cat ate philodendron

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

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

Is philodendron toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is philodendron toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists philodendron as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats philodendron?

ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty. 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 philodendron.

What should I do if my cat ate philodendron?

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 philodendron toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to philodendron?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include string of hearts, wax plant (hoya carnosa), peperomia — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to philodendron.

Full philodendron pet-safety