Are Philodendrons Toxic to Cats and Dogs? What Every Pet Parent Should Know

Philodendrons are beautiful foliage houseplants. But if you’re a pet parent, there’s a problem—philodendrons are toxic to cats and dogs. The culprit? A toxic component called calcium oxalate crystals lurking in those glossy green leaves.

Table of Contents

• Are Philodendrons Toxic to Cats?
• Are Philodendrons Toxic to Dogs?
• What Happens if a Cat or Dog Eats Philodendron?
• How Toxic Are Philodendrons Compared to Other Houseplants?
• What To Do If Your Pet Eats a Philodendron
• Safer Alternatives, Prevention Tips, and Other Toxic Plants
• Keeping Both Pets and Plants Happy
• FAQs

Here’s a common scenario every pet parent dreads. You set a glossy heartleaf philodendron on the windowsill, proud of how it lifts the room. Ten minutes later, your cat hops up, sniffs the leaves, and—of course—takes a nibble. Cue the panic.

Search any indoor house forum and you’ll find the same anxious theme: What if my cat takes a bite? What if my dog chews a stem? The worry is real—excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, or worse. And that fear lingers because philodendrons, for all their lush beauty, are toxic plants that carry risks that every pet owner should weigh.

Unfortunately, philodendron leaves look harmless tucked in those glossy leaves. Once chewed, they scratch soft tissue and can leave pets drooling, yowling, and miserable. But here’s the good news: with the right know-how, you can keep your indoor jungle thriving without putting animal welfare on the line.

But here’s the good news: as a long-time plant parent who’s dug through ASPCA toxic plant lists and watched countless worried threads unfold on Reddit, I can tell you this—philodendrons aren’t a dealbreaker. With the right know-how, you can style your jungle confidently and keep your pets safe at the same time.

Are Philodendrons Toxic to Cats?

Yes—philodendrons are toxic to cats. Every variety, from the classic Sweetheart Plant (heartleaf philodendron) to the big Split-Leaf Philodendron, carries the same risk.

Researchers at the ASPCA report that plants are toxic due to insoluble calcium oxalates packed into their stems and leaves. Once chewed, those sharp crystals lodge in the mouth and throat.

One Reddit cat parent shared how their kitten bit a single leaf, then sat drooling with strings of foam. It wasn’t fatal, but it wasn’t pleasant to watch either.

Another said their vet bill spiked after a “quick taste test” left their cat dehydrated from vomiting. These aren’t isolated stories—they’re the kind of regrets that keep showing up on plant forums.

Veterinarians describe philodendron cases as “moderately toxic”—rarely fatal, but always uncomfortable. And since cats usually stop after one painful bite, you’ll likely catch it early. Still, any sign of swelling or persistent drool deserves a quick call to your local veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline.

Yes—philodendrons are toxic to cats. This includes popular varieties like the Philodendron Pink Princess and Philodendron Erubescens

Are Philodendrons Toxic to Dogs?

Yes—dogs are just as vulnerable to symptoms of philodendron poisoning as cats. Chewing on philodendron leaves or stems can expose canines to the same calcium oxalates, which can cause inflammation in the mouth and upper GI tract.

Some owners assume bigger dogs shrug it off, but that’s wishful thinking. One dachshund owner described how their dog yelped and drooled after a single bite. A Labrador owner reported two days of soft stools and loss of appetite after their pup sampled a leaf. Breed size may influence severity, but no dog is immune.

Top tip: Keep emergency numbers handy. Add your clinic, Poison Control, and Pet Poison Helpline to a “pet’s plan” taped to the fridge. In a crisis, minutes matter.

What Happens if a Cat or Dog Eats Philodendron?

The toxic component in philodendrons is always the same—insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. They don’t dissolve. Instead, they act like microscopic needles, embedding into the mouth, tongue, and throat.

According to Merck Veterinary Manual, early signs include:

• Pawing at the mouth due to oral pain
• Excessive drooling or even bloody drool
• Pain and swelling around the lips and tongue
• Difficult and painful swallowing food or water
• Decreased appetite and possible vomiting

Most cases resolve within one to two days with supportive care. Still, complications can arise if there’s swelling of the upper airway or gastrointestinal tract. Rarely, dehydration and secondary kidney failure follow prolonged vomiting.

Plant parents on forums often describe dramatic scenes: “She foamed like crazy but stopped after a rinse,” or “He drooled for hours, but the vet said it would pass.” These lived stories align with what vets see daily: irritation, not fatal poisoning—but always uncomfortable enough to take seriously.

How Toxic Are Philodendrons Compared to Other Houseplants?

Philodendrons sit in the moderately toxic plants category. They’re not as lethal as lilies for cats, but they’re more irritating than, say, Boston Ferns or Chinese Money Plants, which are pet-safe.

Other poisonous houseplants to note:

• Peace lily — another calcium oxalate heavyweight.
• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) — infamous for swelling and oral pain.
• Pothos — looks like philodendron, carries the same risks.
• Snake plants — trigger GI upset when chewed.
• Aloe Vera — soothing for us, but a hazard for pets.

Confusion often happens with the Split-Leaf Philodendron and Monstera deliciosa, which are different genera but still contain oxalates. The naming overlap has tripped up more than one pet owner.

What To Do If Your Pet Eats a Philodendron

Poison Control Center says if your cat or dog chews a philodendron, rinse the mouth with water to remove plant material. Offer ice chips for pain relief, and monitor for drooling, swelling, or trouble swallowing. Contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately if symptoms persist or worsen.

Quick steps to take:

1. Remove any plant matter you see in the mouth. Don’t force it if they resist.
2. Rinse the mouth gently with cool water for 10–15 seconds.
3. Encourage small sips of water to help clear residue.
4. Call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline. Describe symptoms and plant type.
5. Watch closely. If drooling, vomiting, or painful swallowing persist, head to your vet.

Don’t try random home remedies. Milk, bread, or oil won’t neutralize the crystals—and might complicate things. Veterinary care can provide pain relief, fluids, and meds to soothe the gastrointestinal tract.

Safer Alternatives, Prevention Tips, and Other Toxic Plants

Not ready to give up your indoor jungle? You don’t have to. Plenty of non-toxic houseplants bring lush greenery without putting your pets at risk.

Pet-Safe Alternatives:

• Boston Fern — fluffy and air-purifying, safe for cats and dogs.
• Purple Waffle Plant — colorful, compact, and perfect for a hanging basket.
• Purple Passion Plant — velvet leaves, zero toxicity.
• Maranta (Prayer Plant) — beautiful foliage plants with green and purple leaves, pet-safe plant for indoor jungles.
• Cast Iron Plant — thrives on neglect, completely pet-safe.
• Chinese Money Plant — trendy discs that won’t harm curious paws.
• Zebra Plant — stylish stripes, and ASPCA lists zebra plants as safe for cats and dogs.

You can also browse our curated pet-safe picks in the shop.

Prevention That Works:

• Place philodendrons out of reach—on tall shelves or in hanging baskets.
• Use citrus rinds or motion deterrents near pots.
• Grow pet-safe greens (like wheatgrass) to distract curious cats.
• Rotate plant positions; sometimes novelty is the real trigger.

Even with tricks, pets can surprise you. Forum parents often laugh (and cry) about cats finding ways onto the highest shelves. That’s why prevention isn’t one magic fix—it’s a layered approach.

Other Toxic Plants Worth Knowing:

Philodendrons aren’t alone in the danger zone. Keep an eye on these:

• Peace Lily — sleek but loaded with oxalates.
• Dieffenbachia — classic office plant, rough on pets.
• Pothos — trailing beauty, identical risk profile.
• Snake Plant — trendy, but not pet-friendly. Read more in our guide: Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?
• Aloe Vera — wellness staple, but irritating to cats and dogs.

For deeper guides, start with our hub: How to Keep Cats Away from Plants.

Cat Safety: How to Keep Pets and Plants Happy

Balancing plant parenthood with pet safety isn’t impossible—you just need the right mix of knowledge and planning. Either keep plants out of reach in indoor spaces or choose pet-friendly plants for your indoor garden.

Philodendron Plants Toxic to Cats: FAQs

Are philodendrons toxic to cats?

Yes. Philodendrons contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate a cat’s mouth and stomach, causing drooling, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Are philodendrons toxic to dogs?

Yes. Dogs experience similar symptoms to cats—oral irritation, pawing at the mouth, drooling, and vomiting—after chewing philodendron leaves or stems.

What happens if a cat eats philodendron?

Symptoms appear quickly: drooling, pawing the face, vomiting, and trouble swallowing. Contact a vet if symptoms escalate or your cat eats a large amount.

What should I do if my dog eats philodendron?

Rinse your dog’s mouth with water, remove plant debris, and call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline for guidance. Never try home remedies first.

Which plants are safer for cats and dogs than philodendrons?

Cat-safe plants include zebra plants, purple waffle plants, and purple passion plants. These add color and texture without the toxic risks of philodendrons.