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Is Common Pothos toxic to cats?

Pothos scandens

Toxic to cats

Yes — common pothos 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. Pothos scandens belongs to the Araceae family and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout. The ASPCA lists members of the related Epipremnum genus (commonly sold as pothos) as toxic to dogs and cats; the same hazard applies to true Pothos species, causing oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate common pothos

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

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

Is common pothos toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common pothos toxic to cats?

Yes — common pothos is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Pothos scandens belongs to the Araceae family and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout. The ASPCA lists members of the related Epipremnum genus (commonly sold as pothos) as toxic to dogs and cats; the same hazard applies to true Pothos species, causing oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common pothos?

Pothos scandens belongs to the Araceae family and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout. The ASPCA lists members of the related Epipremnum genus (commonly sold as pothos) as toxic to dogs and cats; the same hazard applies to true Pothos species, causing oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing 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 common pothos.

What should I do if my cat ate common pothos?

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 common pothos toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common pothos?

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 common pothos pet-safety