Pet Safety: Is Philodendron Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Philodendrons make an ideal houseplant with their large, glossy green foliage and low-maintenance needs. But if you’re a pet owner, you may need to be cautious. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the potential harm Philodendrons can cause to pets.

Keep reading to learn if Philodendrons are toxic to cats and dogs, including the signs you should look for if you suspect that your pet has eaten parts of this beautiful plant.  

About Philodendrons

Philodendrons (Philodendron) are beautiful houseplants loved by many for their big, green, and shiny leaves. They are the second-largest member of the Araceae family, which also includes plants like Peace Lilies. These plants originate from the rainforests of Central and South America. They are easy to grow indoors with bright, indirect sunlight, warm temperatures between 18 °C and 24°C, and a monthly application of fertilizer during spring and summer. To prevent leaf issues, ensure you water them regularly. 

Philodendrons have a lot of benefits. They are natural air purifiers and can enhance the aesthetics of any room. Philodendrons are also easy to propagate from cuttings. Symbolically, they represent growth, prosperity, and positivity.

Some popular varieties out of the 450+ known vining and self-heading species include the Philodendron Ring of Fire, known for its jagged, serrated leaves with a fiery mix of orange, red, cream, and lush green. The Philodendron Birkin is another top seller, thanks to its deep emerald leaves with white stripes. Perfect for hanging baskets and small spaces, nothing beats a Philodendron Vine Lemon Lime with bright yellow-green leaves that bring cheer and grow fast. All these varieties are easy to care for and add beauty to any room!

But how toxic is Philodendron to pets? Let’s find out. 

Is Philodendron Toxic to Cats?

Can I have a Philodendron with cats? You may ask. Unfortunately, no, unless you ensure to keep it out of reach of your feline companion. Growing philodendrons around cats is not advisable, due to the plant’s toxicity. It contains calcium oxalate crystals in its stems, leaves, and roots, which, if ingested, can cause issues for your cat. 

What Happens If My Cat Bites a Philodendron? 

Since a Philodendron is poisonous to cats, it can cause any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite

• Breathing problems

• Difficulty in swallowing food

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea 

• Pain in and around the mouth

• Drooling

What Do I Do If My Cat Ate Philodendron?

If your cat shows signs of distress after accidentally ingesting a Philodendron in large amounts, you should immediately take your furry friend to a nearby veterinarian for a check-up. Your vet knows best how to treat Philodendron poisoning in cats. If your cat’s condition isn’t serious, give her some milk or water to drink for some relief before seeking professional help. 

Is Philodendron Safe for Dogs?

Philodendron isn’t safe for dogs, either. It’s one of the toxic indoor plants, which can cause irritation and numbness in the tissues if consumed in large quantities. If your canine friend ingests parts of the foliage, it may experience other symptoms, as well. 

What Happens If Dogs Eat Philodendron? 

Some clinical signs of Philodendron poisoning in dogs include: 

• Digestive upset

• Oral irritation

• Intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips

• Excessive salivation

• Vomiting

• Difficulty in swallowing

• Vocal issues (in a very severe condition)

What to Do If a Dog Eats Philodendron?

If your dog looks unwell after eating a Philodendron, take it to a vet immediately. The specialist will offer the best treatment for a quick recovery, for example, flushing out as many calcium oxalate crystals from the mouth as possible with water. 

Pet Safety and Plants: FAQs

Q: Is the Philodendron toxic to humans?

A: Yes, the Philodendron is toxic to humans. If eaten, it can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and stomach. It may also lead to swelling or trouble swallowing. While life-threatening reactions are rare in people, young kids and babies need to have no easy access to Philodendrons. Adults should wash their hands after handling the plant during care routines..

Q: Is the Cat palm toxic to cats and dogs?

A: No, the Cat Palm isn’t toxic to cats and dogs. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or toxins, so pets can play around this plant without worry. Even if they bite its leaves out of curiosity, it won’t hurt them at all. It’s a pet-friendly plant and safe for homes with animals.

Q: Is Peace Lily toxic to cats and dogs?

A: Yes, Peace Lily is toxic to cats and dogs. If they munch on or eat any part of the plant, whether the leaves or stems, it can cause drooling, vomiting, mouth irritation, and trouble in swallowing food, due to swelling. It has calcium oxalate crystals that can hurt their mouth and stomach.

Q: Is Boston Fern toxic to pets?

A: No, the Boston Fern isn’t toxic to pets. Even if they ingest parts of the leaves, you don’t need to get anxious. It won’t cause anything serious symptoms, except for a mild stomach upset or distress for a short period. This makes a Boston Fern a great choice for pet owners who want to keep plants at home without losing sleep over their animal’s health.

Q: Is the Cast Iron plant toxic to cats and dogs?

A: No, the Cast Iron Plant isn’t toxic to cats and dogs. It’s completely safe to be kept indoors around your pets without any worry. Even if they touch or chew on the leaves, there will be no serious harmful effects. The Cast Iron Plant is a good choice for pet-friendly homes.

Q: Is the Chinese Money plant toxic to cats and dogs?

A: No, the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) isn’t toxic to cats and dogs. It’s a pet-safe beauty with an aesthetic appeal. Even if your pet plays with or chews a leaf, you can rest assured that nothing serious will happen to them.

Conclusion

Philodendrons are toxic to cats and dogs because they contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe symptoms if ingested. Pet owners should avoid these tropical plants and opt for safe alternatives, such as the Money Tree, Indoor Olive Tree, Watermelon Peperomia, and Ponytail Palm Tree. These pet-friendly options will enhance indoor spaces without risking your pets’ health. Always research plant toxicity and consult the ASPCA for guidance.