Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Philodendron toxic to cats?

Moderate severity

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
  • Upper airway swelling
  • Difficulty breathing

How vets treat it

Rinse the mouth with water or milk to remove remaining crystals; monitor for airway swelling and seek veterinary care if breathing is labored.

Why it's dangerous

Chewing or biting 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

While common symptoms are localized irritation, upper airway swelling is a rare but life-threatening complication.

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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