Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
cat safety reference
Is Philodendron safe for cats?
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.
Philodendron PertusumPhilodendron spp.Split-leaf PhilodendronSweetheart Plant
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Vining or climbing
- Care
- Low to moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats that chew philodendron get near-instant mouth pain — the leaves are loaded with insoluble calcium-oxalate crystals that act like microscopic glass shards. The taste and burning usually stop a cat fast, and most cats recover fully within 24 hours.
What to watch for
Pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, heavy drooling, foaming, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Watch the lips and tongue for visible swelling. Rarely, swelling extends to the upper airway and makes breathing difficult.
Time window
Onset is within minutes of chewing. Per Pet Poison Helpline, clinical signs usually disappear within 24 hours with no lasting effects.
When to call the 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.
First aid at home
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.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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.
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
Same cat verdict
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