Is Pothos (devil's Ivy) Toxic to Cats?

Epipremnum aureum

Pothos leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals shaped like tiny needles. When a cat bites a leaf, the crystals fire into the mouth and cause immediate pain, drooling, pawing at the mouth and swelling.

It is one of the most popular houseplants in Britain precisely because it is hard to kill and trails attractively — and a trailing vine is a toy to a cat.

Which parts are dangerous

• leaves
• stems
• sap

What to watch for in the UK

• Sold in every garden centre and supermarket as an easy houseplant.
• Trailing stems hang exactly at cat height.
• Cuttings rooting in water are the same risk.
• Hang it where the trailing end is out of reach, or not at all.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Rinse the mouth with water if the cat will allow it; do not force it.
2. Phone your vet if there is swelling, breathing difficulty or persistent drooling.
3. Offer soft food and water.

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).