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Is Philodendron Birkin toxic to cats?

Philodendron 'Birkin'

Toxic to cats

Yes — philodendron birkin 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, dogs and humans. ASPCA does not list the 'Birkin' cultivar individually, but every Philodendron species it does list (e.g. Heartleaf Philodendron, Philodendron hederaceum, and Split-leaf Philodendron, Philodendron bipennifolium) is classed "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats" on the basis of insoluble calcium oxalates. As a Philodendron cultivar, 'Birkin' carries the same chemistry; North Carolina Extension explicitly lists it as toxic to humans, cats and dogs via calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing releases needle-like raphide crystals that cause oral pain and swelling, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep it away from pets and children, and wash hands after handling the sap.

What to do if your cat ate philodendron birkin

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

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

Is philodendron birkin toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is philodendron birkin toxic to cats?

Yes — philodendron birkin 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, dogs and humans. ASPCA does not list the 'Birkin' cultivar individually, but every Philodendron species it does list (e.g. Heartleaf Philodendron, Philodendron hederaceum, and Split-leaf Philodendron, Philodendron bipennifolium) is classed "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats" on the basis of insoluble calcium oxalates. As a Philodendron cultivar, 'Birkin' carries the same chemistry; North Carolina Extension explicitly lists it as toxic to humans, cats and dogs via calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing releases needle-like raphide crystals that cause oral pain and swelling, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep it away from pets and children, and wash hands after handling the sap.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats philodendron birkin?

Toxic to cats, dogs and humans. ASPCA does not list the 'Birkin' cultivar individually, but every Philodendron species it does list (e.g. Heartleaf Philodendron, Philodendron hederaceum, and Split-leaf Philodendron, Philodendron bipennifolium) is classed "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats" on the basis of insoluble calcium oxalates. As a Philodendron cultivar, 'Birkin' carries the same chemistry; North Carolina Extension explicitly lists it as toxic to humans, cats and dogs via calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing releases needle-like raphide crystals that cause oral pain and swelling, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep it away from pets and children, and wash hands after handling the sap. 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 birkin.

What should I do if my cat ate philodendron birkin?

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 birkin toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to philodendron birkin?

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 philodendron birkin pet-safety