Is Philodendron Toxic to Cats?

Philodendron species

Philodendrons are aroids and carry the same needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals. The reaction is immediate: a cat that bites a leaf drools, paws at its mouth and may vomit.

They are widely sold as easy houseplants, and the heart-shaped leaves are within reach on a coffee table or windowsill.

Which parts are dangerous

• leaves
• stems
• sap

What to watch for in the UK

• Sold widely as a starter houseplant.
• Leaf drop puts a toxic leaf on the floor.
• Sap on pruning shears or hands transfers to a cat's coat.
• Wash hands after handling and wipe up sap.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Rinse the mouth and offer water.
2. Phone your vet if the cat is in obvious pain or breathing noisily.
3. Watch for vomiting over the next few hours.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).