Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron toxic to cats?

Moderate severity

Yes, Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron is toxic to cats. It can cause real illness, so contact your vet if your pet has been exposed.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Oral pain
  • Decreased appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Swelling of the upper airway
  • Difficulty breathing

How vets treat it

Rinse the mouth with water or milk to remove remaining crystals; seek veterinary care if swelling or persistent vomiting occurs.

Why it's dangerous

Chewing the plant releases needle-like crystals that penetrate and irritate the tissues of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Toxic compound: Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals

Good to know

Very rarely, swelling of the upper airway occurs making it difficult to breathe. Part of the Araceae family.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

· How we prepare our guides

More substances toxic to cats

Heavenly Bamboo Moderate severity Iris Moderate severity Ribbon Plant Moderate severity Shamrock Moderate severity Everything toxic to cats →

Barcode food checks, now on iPhone.

Scan a product's barcode with StrawPaw to spot ingredients that can harm dogs and cats. The app is free to download.

Download on the App Store