Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Heartleaf Philodendron toxic to cats?

Moderate severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes. It can cause real illness — 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 crystals; seek veterinary care if swelling occurs or if symptoms persist.

Why it's dangerous

Chewing or biting the plant releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause mechanical tissue penetration and irritation 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.

More substances toxic to cats

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