Houseplant
Is Pothos toxic to cats and dogs?
Epipremnum aureum · also called Devil’s ivy, golden pothos
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicPothos contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mouth pain and drooling. It is unpleasant but rarely serious, because the pain stops pets eating much.
By Maya Hart
If your 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.
Signs to watch for
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Swelling of the mouth or tongue
What is harmful
- Parts
- Leaves and stems
- Substance
- Insoluble calcium oxalates
Pet-safe alternatives
Questions owners ask
Is Pothos toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: leaves and stems.
Is Pothos toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: leaves and stems.
What happens if a pet eats pothos?
pawing at the mouth, drooling, vomiting, swelling of the mouth or tongue.
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 pothos?
Spider plant, Boston fern, Calathea (prayer plant), Areca palm, Moth orchid.
Sources
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
