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Pet safety

Is Velvet Leaf Vine toxic to cats?

Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum (syn. Philodendron micans)

Toxic to cats

Yes — velvet leaf vine 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. All Philodendron species, including P. micans/hederaceum, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and are listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and humans by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes oral irritation, burning sensation, swelling of the mouth and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate velvet leaf vine

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

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

Is velvet leaf vine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is velvet leaf vine toxic to cats?

Yes — velvet leaf vine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Philodendron species, including P. micans/hederaceum, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and are listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and humans by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes oral irritation, burning sensation, swelling of the mouth and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

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

All Philodendron species, including P. micans/hederaceum, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and are listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and humans by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes oral irritation, burning sensation, swelling of the mouth and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep out of reach of pets and children. 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 vine.

What should I do if my cat ate velvet leaf vine?

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 vine toxic to dogs too?

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

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

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 vine pet-safety