Is Philodendron toxic to cats?
Heartleaf philodendron is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause oral pain, swelling, drooling, and vomiting, but ingestion is rarely life-threatening.
- TOXINinsoluble calcium oxalates
- WHAT TO EXPECToral irritation; pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips; excessive drooling, gagging; vomiting
- CALL THE VETCall your vet if drooling or vomiting persists or worsens or your cat refuses food or water — and immediately if you notice throat swelling or any breathing difficulty (rare, per Pet Poison Helpline).
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| oral irritation; pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips |
| excessive drooling, gagging |
| vomiting |
| difficulty swallowing |
| in rare instances, severe throat swelling with breathing difficulty |
If your cat just ate it
Safe swaps, graded S0
Graded S0 for cats. Same-shape matches are coming as the index grows.
Care at a glance
FAQ
What happens if my cat eats philodendron?
Expect mouth pain, not a systemic poisoning. Philodendron's insoluble calcium oxalate crystals bite back on contact: the ASPCA lists "oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing." Take the plant away and call your vet if drooling or vomiting persists or worsens. Arrowhead plant carries the same insoluble calcium oxalates, with the same signs word for word on its ASPCA entry — see our arrowhead plant verdict.
Can philodendron kill a cat?
It's very unlikely — this is an irritant (S2), not a systemic poison like a true lily. The one scenario that turns urgent is airway swelling: Pet Poison Helpline notes that "in rare instances severe throat swelling resulting in breathing difficulty can occur." If you see throat swelling or any labored breathing, that's an emergency vet visit; otherwise signs usually settle as the irritation fades.
Does this verdict cover the philodendron variety I own?
It covers the heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum), also sold as sweetheart plant and cordatum — that is the ASPCA entry this page transcribes. One name to watch: the plants sold as split-leaf and cutleaf "philodendron" are not philodendrons at all but Monstera deliciosa, which has its own entry here. For the many named cultivars on shelves today the ASPCA has no separate listing, so we don't grade them individually — "philodendron" on a tag is a trade name, not proof of species. Until a variety has its own entry, keep it out of chewing range and treat any chewing like this page.
What happens if my dog chews a philodendron?
Mouth pain, mostly — this is an irritant, not a systemic poison. The ASPCA lists heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) as "Toxic to Dogs" on insoluble calcium oxalates, with "oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling" and "difficulty swallowing." Pet Poison Helpline adds that "in rare instances severe throat swelling resulting in breathing difficulty can occur." Take the plant away and call your vet if drooling or vomiting persists or worsens; go immediately if you see throat swelling or any trouble breathing.