Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron

Yes, fiddle-leaf philodendron (Philodendron bipennifolium) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms typically begin immediately after chewing — your cat may paw at its mouth, hypersalivate, and vomit due to the mechanical irritation from calcium oxalate crystals. Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat is possible in more severe cases. Oral irritation usually resolves within 12–24 hours with supportive care, but watch for any change in breathing, which warrants emergency attention.

Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and rinse with cool water. Offering a small amount of milk, canned-tuna water, or chicken broth can help, because calcium binds the oxalate crystals and eases the burning. Do not induce vomiting — the crystals re-injure tissue on the way back up. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away if drooling is severe, vomiting doesn't stop after one or two episodes, or you notice any swelling of the mouth or face.

All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, so any part your cat chews — leaves, stems, or petioles — can cause irritation. The crystals act as tiny needles that embed in soft tissue the moment the plant is chewed, which is why discomfort is usually immediate rather than delayed.

Yes, Philodendron bipennifolium is toxic to dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Signs typically appear within minutes of chewing: profuse drooling, pawing or rubbing at the muzzle, lip and tongue swelling, vomiting, and refusal to eat. Oral symptoms almost always appear within 2 hours and usually resolve within 12–24 hours, though larger ingestions can cause significant oral swelling.

Wipe any plant material out of your dog's mouth, then offer milk, tuna water, or chicken broth — the calcium in dairy and the dilution help neutralize the oxalate burn. Do not induce vomiting; bringing the crystals back up causes additional tissue damage. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if symptoms persist or worsen.

Call your vet if drooling persists past 30–60 minutes, you notice swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, vomiting recurs, or your dog won't eat. The one truly urgent scenario is any change in breathing or voice, which can signal airway swelling and requires immediate veterinary attention.