Pet safety
Is Philodendron Imperial Red toxic to cats?
Philodendron erubescens 'Imperial Red'
Yes — philodendron imperial red 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. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (family Araceae) as toxic to both, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. The 'Imperial Red' cultivar is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the genus is firmly listed as toxic, so treat it as unsafe and contact a vet if a pet chews it.
What to do if your cat ate philodendron imperial red
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move philodendron imperial red 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 philodendron imperial red to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten philodendron imperial red, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is philodendron imperial red toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is philodendron imperial red toxic to cats?
Yes — philodendron imperial red 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. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (family Araceae) as toxic to both, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. The 'Imperial Red' cultivar is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the genus is firmly listed as toxic, so treat it as unsafe and contact a vet if a pet chews it.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats philodendron imperial red?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (family Araceae) as toxic to both, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. The 'Imperial Red' cultivar is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the genus is firmly listed as toxic, so treat it as unsafe and contact a vet if a pet chews it. 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 imperial red.
What should I do if my cat ate philodendron imperial red?
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 imperial red toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Philodendron Imperial Red is toxic to dogs as well. See the full philodendron imperial red pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to philodendron imperial red?
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 imperial red pet-safety
- Is philodendron imperial red toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is philodendron imperial red toxic to dogs?
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete philodendron imperial red care guide