What should I do if my cat ate Pothos?

Remove any leaf material still in your cat's mouth and gently rinse the mouth with clean, cool water to flush out remaining crystals. Do NOT induce vomiting — bringing the oxalate material back up causes additional burning to the esophagus and mouth. Then call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) any time drooling persists more than an hour, your cat won't drink water, vomiting keeps recurring, or you see swelling of the lips or tongue. Difficulty breathing or any sign of airway swelling is an emergency — head straight to a clinic.

What should I do if my dog ate Pothos?

Take any chewed plant material away from your dog and wipe out the mouth with a damp cloth to remove leftover crystals. Pet Poison Helpline notes that offering a small amount of milk, yogurt, or another calcium-containing dairy product can help bind the oxalate raphides and ease the burning. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet or poison control specifically tells you to. Call your vet — or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 — any time you see persistent drooling, repeated vomiting, visible swelling of the mouth or tongue, or refusal to eat or drink after a chew. Any difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or collapse is an emergency: go directly to a 24-hour vet.

Pothos — (c) Forest and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (CC BY) — Photo by (c) Forest and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Forest and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Pothos

Q: Is Pothos safe for cats?

Pothos is potentially toxic to cats. The presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causes immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center.

Q: Is Pothos safe for dogs?

Pothos is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of this plant.

Epipremnum aureum

Devil's Ivy is a popular trailing houseplant known for its heart-shaped leaves and ease of care. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Epipremnum aureumGolden PothosMoney PlantPothosScindapsus aureus

Light: Bright indirect light to low light
Habit: Trailing vine
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Escalation note

The presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causes immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of this plant.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Baby Rubber Plant

Peperomia obtusifolia

Baby rubber plant is the safest pet-proof swap that keeps the small, glossy, trailing look.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Pothos is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Epipremnum aureum is a popular houseplant that is toxic to pets if ingested.

cats safety page My cat ate Pothos dogs safety page My dog ate Pothos

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Both sold as "Pothos".

Satin Pothos

Scindapsus pictus

Satin Pothos is a popular vining houseplant known for its heart-shaped, silver-variegated leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.