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Tailwise

Houseplant

Is Monstera toxic to cats and dogs?

Monstera deliciosa · also called Swiss cheese plant

Cats

Mildly toxic

Dogs

Mildly toxic

Like pothos, monstera contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth. Pets usually stop after one bite.

Monstera
Photo: olive.titus (Public domain) via flickr

If your pet chewed it

  1. Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink.
  2. Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.

Signs to watch for

  • Drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Vomiting

What is harmful

Parts
Leaves and stems
Substance
Insoluble calcium oxalates

Pet-safe alternatives

Questions owners ask

Is Monstera toxic to cats?

Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: leaves and stems.

Is Monstera toxic to dogs?

Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: leaves and stems.

What happens if a pet eats monstera?

drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting.

What should I do if my pet chewed it?

Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink. Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.

What are pet-safe alternatives to monstera?

Spider plant, Boston fern, Calathea (prayer plant), Areca palm, Moth orchid.

Sources

  1. ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants list
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: poisonous plants
  3. Pet Poison Helpline: poisons

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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