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Is Velvet Leaf Philodendron toxic to cats?

Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum 'Micans'

Toxic to cats

Yes — velvet leaf philodendron 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. The leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat. Keep out of reach of curious pets.

What to do if your cat ate velvet leaf philodendron

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

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

Is velvet leaf philodendron toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is velvet leaf philodendron toxic to cats?

Yes — velvet leaf philodendron 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. The leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat. Keep out of reach of curious pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats velvet leaf philodendron?

ASPCA lists Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. The leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat. Keep out of reach of curious pets. 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 velvet leaf philodendron.

What should I do if my cat ate velvet leaf 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 velvet leaf philodendron toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to velvet leaf philodendron?

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 velvet leaf philodendron pet-safety