Is Pothos Toxic to Cats? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, pothos is mildly toxic to cats

Pothos is one of the most common houseplants and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The pain is immediate, so pets rarely eat much, and signs usually ease within hours.

Pothos and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Epipremnum aureum
Also called	devil's ivy, golden pothos, marble queen
Toxic compound	Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
Toxic parts	Leaves and stems
Signs usually start	Immediate (within minutes of chewing)
Plant type	Houseplant

Symptoms of pothos poisoning in cats

Pawing at the mouth
Drooling
Vomiting
Mouth and tongue swelling
Difficulty swallowing

Why pothos is toxic to cats

The plant cells contain bundles of needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals (raphides). When a pet bites into the leaf, the crystals are ejected and embed in the mouth, tongue and throat, causing immediate burning pain, drooling and swelling. The crystals are not absorbed into the body, so organ damage is not expected.

What to do if your cat ate pothos

Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
Watch for pawing at the mouth, drooling, vomiting. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

Most cases need only supportive care. Gently rinse your pet's mouth with water and offer water to drink. A vet may give pain relief, anti-nausea medicine or an antihistamine for swelling. Go to a vet right away if you see swelling of the throat or any trouble breathing.

How to keep your cat away from pothos

Place pothos on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.

Pet-safe alternatives to pothos

If you love houseplants, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Pothos and cats: FAQ

Is pothos poisonous to cats?

Pothos is mildly toxic to cats. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can cause pawing at the mouth and drooling, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of pothos is toxic to cats?

Leaves and stems.

Can cats die from eating pothos?

It is very unlikely. Pothos usually causes mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

How long after eating pothos will my cat show symptoms?

Immediate (within minutes of chewing).

Is pothos toxic to dogs too?

Yes, pothos is mildly toxic to dogs.

My cat ate pothos but seems fine. Should I worry?

Usually not. If there is no drooling, vomiting or swelling after a few hours, it is unlikely to be serious. Call your vet if your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Other plants toxic to cats

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Is Pothos Toxic to Cats?