Pothos

Yes, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mechanical irritation to the mouth, tongue, and lips when chewed. The ASPCA classifies it as potentially toxic for cats.

Symptoms typically start within 0–5 minutes of chewing: hypersalivation, lip licking, head shaking, and pawing at the muzzle. Within 5–30 minutes you may see vomiting (sometimes with visible leaf fragments), gagging, and reluctance to eat or drink. Visible swelling inside the mouth or any change in breathing is less common but serious.

Remove any remaining leaf material from your cat's mouth and gently rinse the mouth with clean, cool water to flush out crystals. Do NOT induce vomiting — bringing the material back up causes additional burning to the esophagus. Then call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Every part of the pothos plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, so leaves, stems, and roots are all a risk. When chewed, these microscopic crystals physically puncture and irritate the soft tissue of the mouth, tongue, and throat — the damage is mechanical, not chemical, which is why symptoms are immediate and localized rather than systemic.

Yes, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is toxic to dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Within minutes of chewing pothos, dogs typically paw at their mouth, drool heavily, and may vomit due to the calcium oxalate crystals embedding in the oral tissues. Visible swelling or redness of the lips and tongue is also common. Most cases resolve within 12–24 hours with supportive care, though rare upper-airway swelling can develop quickly and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Remove any remaining plant material and wipe out your dog's mouth with a damp cloth to clear leftover crystals. The Pet Poison Helpline notes that offering a small amount of milk, yogurt, or another calcium-containing dairy product can help bind the oxalate crystals and ease the burning sensation. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison control specifically instructs you to. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if symptoms persist or worsen.

All parts of the pothos plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals — the same irritant is present throughout the leaves, stems, and sap. There is no safe part to chew; even a small bite delivers enough crystals to cause immediate oral pain and drooling.