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Pet safety

Is Spiritus Sancti toxic to cats?

Philodendron spiritus-sancti

Toxic to cats

Yes — spiritus sancti 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 lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. Like all members of the genus it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat.

What to do if your cat ate spiritus sancti

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

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

Is spiritus sancti toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spiritus sancti toxic to cats?

Yes — spiritus sancti is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. Like all members of the genus it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spiritus sancti?

ASPCA lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. Like all members of the genus it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat. 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 spiritus sancti.

What should I do if my cat ate spiritus sancti?

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 spiritus sancti toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Spiritus Sancti is toxic to dogs as well. See the full spiritus sancti pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to spiritus sancti?

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 spiritus sancti pet-safety