What should I do if my cat ate Monstera?

Remove any plant fragments from your cat's mouth. Rinse the mouth gently with cool water; offering a small amount of milk or plain yogurt can help bind the oxalate crystals and ease the burning. Then call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away if drooling persists past an hour, your cat refuses to eat or drink, the tongue or lips are visibly swelling, or there is any change in breathing.

What should I do if my dog ate Monstera?

Wipe any plant material out of your dog's mouth with a damp cloth. Offer cool water; a small amount of milk or yogurt can ease the burning by binding oxalate crystals. Then call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to. Call your vet or a poison hotline immediately if drooling does not stop within an hour, the dog will not eat or drink, the tongue or muzzle is visibly swollen, or there is any change in breathing.

Monstera — (c) Jacqui Geux, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacqui Geux — Photo by (c) Jacqui Geux, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacqui GeuxiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Jacqui Geux, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacqui GeuxiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Monstera

Q: Is Monstera safe for cats?

Monstera is potentially toxic to cats. The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. While rarely fatal, contact a veterinarian if your cat shows signs of distress or persistent vomiting.

Q: Is Monstera safe for dogs?

Monstera is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the needle-like crystals. Seek veterinary advice if symptoms are severe or if the animal refuses to eat or drink.

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.

Check a list

Mexican BreadfruitMonstera deliciosaSplit-leaf PhilodendronSwiss Cheese Plant

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Vining climber
Care: Moderate

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 insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. While rarely fatal, contact a veterinarian if your cat shows signs of distress or persistent vomiting.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Oral irritation, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and decreased appetite due to discomfort.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the needle-like crystals. Seek veterinary advice if symptoms are severe or if the animal refuses to eat or drink.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Baby Rubber Plant

Peperomia obtusifolia

Baby rubber plant has the same glossy-leaf look without the insoluble calcium oxalates.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Areca palm gives the same tropical statement and is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Ceriman 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

Monstera deliciosa is a large, evergreen, vining plant in the Araceae family, native to tropical forests of southern Mexico.

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

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Both sold as "Philodendron".

Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

Heartleaf Philodendron 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.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Flame Lily

Gloriosa superba

Climbing Lily is a tuberous climbing plant known for its striking, flame-like flowers. It contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that is highly toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Wisteria

Wisteria spp.

Wisteria is a genus of woody, climbing vines known for their cascading, fragrant flower clusters. All parts of the plant, particularly the seeds and pods, contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested.

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.

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.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

Areca Palm

Dypsis lutescens

The Areca Palm is a popular indoor palm known for its feathery, arching fronds and air-purifying qualities. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if ingested in large quantities.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Australian Ivy Palm

Brassaia actinophylla

The Australian Ivy Palm is a popular indoor tree known for its large, umbrella-like leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Autograph Tree

Clusia major

Clusia major is a tropical evergreen shrub known for its thick, leathery leaves and unique ability to grow as an epiphyte. It is commonly kept as a houseplant for its architectural foliage, but it contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Banana Plant

Musa acuminata

The banana plant is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, paddle-shaped leaves and rapid growth. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.