What should I do if my cat ate Philodendron?

Remove any plant fragments from your cat's mouth. Rinse the mouth gently with cool water; a small amount of milk or yogurt helps bind 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 instructed by a vet. Call your vet or a poison hotline right away if drooling lasts more than an hour, your cat refuses to eat, the mouth or tongue is visibly swollen, or there is any change in breathing.

What should I do if my dog ate Philodendron?

Remove any plant material still in your dog's mouth and gently flush the mouth with clean, cool water to wash out remaining crystals. Do NOT induce vomiting — bringing the leaf material back up causes more burning to the esophagus, mouth, and stomach. Then call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline for next steps. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) any time you see persistent drooling, repeated vomiting, refusal to eat or drink, or visible swelling of the mouth or throat. Go straight to an emergency clinic for any change in breathing, loud swallowing, or collapse — those suggest airway involvement.

Pet safety reference

Philodendron

Q: Is Philodendron safe for cats?

Philodendron is potentially toxic to cats. Symptoms are typically localized to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. If your cat shows signs of distress or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Q: Is Philodendron safe for dogs?

Philodendron is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion usually results in immediate discomfort due to the mechanical irritation of calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

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.

Check a list

Philodendron PertusumPhilodendron spp.Split-leaf PhilodendronSweetheart Plant

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Vining or climbing
Care: Low to 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

Symptoms are typically localized to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. If your cat shows signs of distress or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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 usually results in immediate discomfort due to the mechanical irritation of calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Philodendron species are listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Philodendron is a large genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family, often used as houseplants.

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

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Same Philodendron genus.

Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron bipennifolium

Philodendron bipennifolium is a popular vining aroid known for its unique, fiddle-shaped foliage. Like many members of the Araceae family, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Share the alias "sweetheart plant".

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

Arrowhead Plant

Syngonium podophyllum

Syngonium podophyllum is a popular tropical vining plant known for its arrow-shaped leaves that change form as the plant matures. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which 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.

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.

Pothos

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.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.