Are Pothos Toxic to Cats

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Are Pothos Toxic to Cats? What To Know About Pothos And Cats

Pothos are popular houseplants renowned for their attractiveness and hardiness. Pothos plants are an easy way to decorate with greenery and brighten your living space, but if you are a pet owner, beware. Despite their beauty, pothos are toxic to cats.

Pothos plants are harmful to your feline friend, and it is important to understand what steps to take if your kitty ingests it. Knowing what symptoms to watch out for will alert you when to call your veterinarian.

Luckily, there are several houseplant options that keep your home safer for your kitty while still providing the lushness of indoor greenery.

What Is A Pothos Plant?

Epipremnum aureum, also known as golden pothos, taro vine, and devil’s ivy, has waxy, heart-shaped leaves that are so glossy and vibrant that they almost look fake. Pothos plants originate from tropical and subtropical regions and are particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia. In the West, people have been cultivating pathos as houseplants for hundreds of years. Pothos are a staple of many indoor gardens because they are low maintenance and thrive even in low light. This allows more options for decorative placement, as direct sunlight is not necessary.

So are pothos toxic to cats? Probably, yes, as no matter the variety, pothos and pets are a bad combination.

Why Are Pothos Plants Toxic To Cats?

All cat parents know that their furry friends are insatiably curious and will usually find a way to investigate whatever strikes their fancy. If there are pothos cats must investigate! Keeping your surroundings safe for your kitty is similar to baby-proofing your home for a toddler. But cats are expert climbers, so thwarting their dangerous desires can be even more challenging.

Felines are natural meat eaters, but they seek out greens to settle their stomachs or supplement any nutrients missing from their regular diet. It is common for cats to snack on any houseplants within their reach, especially trailing ones like pothos plants.

Pothos poisoning can occur if your kitty bites, chews on, or ingests the pothos plant. This is because the entire plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause an immediate burning sensation as the crystals permeate the soft tissues of your cat’s mouth, throat, and stomach.

Although not usually fatal, consuming calcium oxalate crystals can cause your pet serious discomfort and anxiety.

Symptoms Of Pothos Plant Poisoning In Cats

Even though most cats are experts at masking pain, the symptoms of pothos poisoning are usually evident immediately after the animal gnaws on or ingests the plant. Some of the symptoms you may observe include:

• Pawing At The Mouth
• Mouth Irritation
• Vomiting
• Loss Of Appetite
• Abnormal Drooling
• Difficulty Swallowing

My Cat Ate A Pothos Leaf: What Do I Do?

If you have any indication that your kitty has been munching on a pothos plant or the symptoms of pothos poisoning are already evident, call your veterinarian for guidance as soon as possible.

If your pet requires an evaluation, be sure to bring along a picture of the plant, or, better yet, a sample of the pothos your pet ingested to help your vet make a quick diagnosis. Describe your cat’s symptoms in detail. What might not seem relevant could be very significant from the vet’s vantage point. Since there is no diagnostic test for pothos poisoning, your firsthand report of your pet’s symptoms and the timeline will help your vet immeasurably.

Once it has been concluded that pothos poisoning is the culprit, your veterinarian can choose the best course of treatment. The first order of business is alleviating your cat’s discomfort, which may include carefully cleaning the pet’s mouth to remove as many of the tiny, dagger-like crystals as possible.

There is no antidote for pothos plant poisoning, but your vet may provide medication to address G.I. irritation if your cat has been vomiting. To counteract dehydration caused by vomiting, the vet might also decide that your pet would benefit from IV fluids. Each situation is different.

In most cases, you and your cat can go home immediately after treatment for pothos poisoning. But if your pet suffered complications such as dehydration or swelling of the airway, your vet may wish to observe your cat for a bit to ensure they are stable.

Your vet may suggest a soft diet for your kitty while recuperating. Soft foods are easier to tolerate while your cat’s oral cavity and stomach are healing.

How To Keep Your Cat Safe From Pothos Plants

If your cat is not the rambunctious jumper type, placing your pothos on a high shelf or using a hanging pot may be enough to deter further exploration on the kitty’s part. But if your cat is agile and adventurous, this might not do the trick. In that case, you could avoid the potential problem altogether and consider choosing pet-safe plants.

Cat-friendly Plant Alternatives

Even though pothos is a no-go, there are many house plants that are beautiful and safe for your cat as well. The ASPCA categorizes a huge list of plants into toxic and non-toxic lists.

Here is a sampling of beautiful and low-maintenance plants that can safely coexist with your feline friends.

Peperomia

The peperomia plant is a tough plant with attractive leaves. They are drought-tolerant and require little fussing. Best of all, the many varieties of peperomia are safe for felines.

Christmas Cactus

Christmas cactuses are among the most cat-friendly plants. These attractive succulents are also non-toxic so they are perfect for your indoor garden.

Boston Fern

Boston ferns are very popular indoor plants that are pet-safe. They are easy-care but prefer a humid environment.

Prayer Plant

The cat-friendly prayer plant boasts striking tri-colored foliage. Its name is inspired by the way its leaves rise and resembling praying hands at night. This plant also craves humidity.

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Conclusion

Since pothos plants are toxic to cats, it is best to avoid them in a household with feline family members if possible. If pothos and cats must coexist, responsible pet owners should keep the plants out of kitty’s reach and know the symptoms of pothos plant poisoning.

Be sure to call your vet as soon as you realize your cat has consumed any part of the pothos plant, especially if they are already showing symptoms of pothos poisoning. With prompt and proper care, your fur baby should be back to peak health in no time at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pothos toxic to cats? Or are pothos safe for cats?

Pothos plants are harmful to your feline friend and it is important to understand what steps to take if your kitty ingests it. Always consult with your vet for guidance.

Why are pothos poisonous to cats?

The entire plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals cause an immediate burning sensation as they easily permeate the soft tissues of your cat’s mouth, throat, and stomach.

What do I do if my cat ate a pothos leaf?

If you catch your kitty munching on a pothos plant or the symptoms of pothos poisoning are already evident, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to make sure your cats are safe around pothos plants?

Keep the plants on high shelves or in hanging planters to discourage your cat from nibbling on them. To err on the side of caution, consider other harmless houseplant varieties instead of a pothos plant.

Are Pothos Toxic to Cats?

Kiersten lives in New Orleans, LA and graduated with her masters degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University in 2019.

She has conducted or assisted on research studies covering trees such as the bald cypress, swamp maple, and water tupelo, as well as important marsh grasses including Juncus, Spartina, and Phragmites.

Kiersten is a certified Louisiana Master Naturalist and regularly volunteers with local community gardens and nonprofits to help restore critical ecosystems along the Gulf Coast.

Are Pothos Toxic to Cats?

• Though they don’t contain any poison and so can’t really be called a ‘poisonous plant’ they can still be detrimental to the health of your cat if he decides to take a munch break on some Pothos leaves!

What are Pothos Plants?

• The Pothos plant is an indoor plant that’s native to areas like Australia, China, and Southeast Asia, among others. These evergreen plants are basically climbing vines, with thick green leaves that are often heart-shaped, depending on the type of Pothos.

Why Are Pothos Toxic to Cats?

• Though not poisonous exactly, the reason behind their toxicity is the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves and stems of the Pothos plant. So if your cat takes a bite out of these plants or chews on its leaves or stems, these toxic crystals are released, and can result in a burning sensation or oral irritation for your feline friend.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Your Pothos

• Even though it’s unusual for any cat to consume a large enough portion of Pothos houseplant to cause significant damage, its still very uncomfortable for your cat. Better to seek treatment as quickly as possible, before the situation gets any worse. In order for you to help your doctor make a correct diagnosis, be sure to take a sample of your Pothos plant with you, or take a picture of the chewed area. Since your pets can’t speak, you have to speak for them and explain the situation as best as possible.

How to Keep Cats Safe from Pothos Plants

• If you can’t bear to part with your Pothos plant, it’s strongly recommended to place the plant somewhere high up, where it’s safely out of reach of your cat and any other pets. They make excellent candidates for hanging baskets.

Pothos plants are extremely popular because of how easy they are to care for, especially for novice plant owners, as well as how pretty the different types of Pothos plants are. One kind of Pothos houseplant is Neon Pothos. Although this indoor plant only needs a simple neon Pothos care routine, its lush leaves are perfect for all plant lovers. However, if you are also a cat lover, you may have to think twice before keeping a Pothos plant in your home.

What are Pothos Plants?

The Pothos plant is an indoor plant that’s native to areas like Australia, China, and Southeast Asia, among others. These evergreen plants are basically climbing vines, with thick green leaves that are often heart-shaped, depending on the type of Pothos.

The leaves of a Pothos plant have a waxy and somewhat bumpy texture. These houseplants, also sometimes known as Money Plants, Golden Pothos plants, or Devil’s Ivy, are mostly grown as hanging or trailing vines.

There are many different varieties of Pothos plants available on the market. The variegated splashes of color in the base green of the leaves is often used to differentiate between the different types of Pothos plants.

For example, the Marble Queen Pothos boasts a color palette of green, light green, and cream that creates a striking marble design––no two leaves are the same. Meanwhile, the more common Money Plant leaf only has a few splashes of yellow here and there.

Pothos often have aerial roots that help them climb and grip almost any surface, be it a wall or a tree trunk. If grown outdoors in the wild, Pothos plants can reach quite high, and their leaf size can also increase considerably.

Pothos plants are easy to grow and easier still to propagate. They are ideal for office and home spaces, as they don’t require a lot of maintenance and care.

However, the biggest, and possibly the only issue with a Pothos plant is that it is not pet-friendly. No matter what type of Pothos, all kinds are toxic to both cats and dogs, as well as some other pet animals.

Why Are Pothos Toxic to Cats?

Though not poisonous exactly, the reason behind their toxicity is the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves and stems of the Pothos plant.

So if your cat takes a bite out of these plants or chews on its leaves or stems, these toxic crystals are released and can result in a burning sensation or oral irritation for your feline friend.

As the toxic crystals pass through your cat’s mouth and into its throat, traveling down to the stomach, it inflames everything in its path because the toxins are absorbed into the surrounding soft tissues of your cat’s throat and tummy.

After ingestion, these adverse reactions can present themselves as the following symptoms:

• Itching in the mouth
• Pawing at the mouth
• Drooling or excess salivation
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain
• Decreased appetite
• Skin irritation

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What to Do If Your Cat Eats Your Pothos

Unfortunately, if your cat ends up chewing on a Pothos leaf, or taking a bite out of it, you’ll most likely see an immediate reaction. Your cat may start to drool in an effort to get rid of the insoluble calcium oxalates in its mouth .

You may notice your cat try to paw at its mouth to relieve the discomfort caused by itching and burning. As soon as you notice these signs, you should take your cat to a veterinarian right away.

Even though it’s unusual for any cat to consume a large enough portion of Pothos to cause significant damage, it’s still very uncomfortable for your cat. Better to seek treatment as quickly as possible, before the situation gets any worse.

In order for you to help your doctor make a correct diagnosis, be sure to take a sample of your Pothos plant with you, or take a picture of the chewed area. Since your pets can’t speak, you have to speak for them and explain the situation as best as possible

In most cases, your vet will perform a thorough oral inspection of your cat’s mouth and try to detect the presence and intensity of the insoluble calcium oxalates that have been ingested.

Depending on the severity of the cat’s reaction to the toxic plant, your vet will determine the best treatment plan. However, unless you take in a piece of the plant or a photo, it can be difficult for a vet to determine what specific plant may have caused your cat’s reaction, because there are a lot of plants that contain calcium oxalate crystals.

How Your Vet May Treat a Pothos Reaction in Your Cat

Mouth Wash

Generally, the first step of treatment when a cat eats a Pothos plant is to minimize the inflammation and put the cat at ease. This can be achieved by thorough washing and cleansing of your cat’s oral cavity. Washing helps to remove any toxins present in your cat’s mouth and helps to reduce inflammation.

Stomach Wash

The next step would be to move forward with a stomach wash, especially if your cat fully ingested a piece of the Pothos plant. The proper term for a stomach wash is a gastric lavage. This helps to clear out any toxins that have accumulated in your cat’s stomach.

Pain Relief

Once the toxin has been cleared out, the vet might feed your cat some dairy products to help relieve the pain. This is because dairy products are known to relieve certain kinds of pain in cats, especially the type of pain that’s caused by an insoluble calcium oxalate crystal.

Anti-Allergy Medication

To ensure that the toxin doesn’t cause any subsequent swelling of your cat’s throat and airways, your vet might administer some antihistamine medication to help curb the allergic reaction. Without this medication, your cat’s condition could become life-threatening if its reaction is severe.

Additional Treatment

If your cat’s reaction to the Pothos toxins is very strong and causes excess vomiting, your pet’s vet might use both anti-inflammatory and anti-vomiting medications, along with IV fluids to prevent dehydration.

When cats receive proper treatment, most of them make a full recovery after tangling with a Pothos plant. However, if your cat experiences significant dehydration, the vet might decide to keep it for a couple of hours just to monitor.

Similarly, if the reaction of your cat caused a restriction of the airways, your vet may decide to keep the cat until it recovers completely. You will also need to give special attention to your cat’s diet for the next few days. Just be sure to discuss any dietary changes with your vet first.

Granted, acting quickly can help mitigate any harm to your cat if it accidentally ingests a Pothos plant. However, prevention is always better than a cure.

How to Keep Cats Safe from Pothos Plants

Granted, Pothos plants are lovely to look at and are super easy to maintain, making them popular indoor houseplants. However, the truth is that the easiest way to keep your cat safe from the potential toxicity of a Pothos plant is to get rid of the plant or not keep the plant indoors.

If you can’t bear to part with your Pothos plant, it’s strongly recommended to place the plant somewhere high up, where it’s safely out of reach of your cat and any other pets. They make excellent candidates for hanging baskets.

However, many cats laugh in the face of heights and love to climb and play with long, trailing things. This means that they could theoretically still be able to jump or reach high enough to access your Pothos plant despite your best efforts. It’s important to carefully consider where you will place the plant to ensure it stays safely out of the reach of your curious kitty.

Long story short, are Pothos toxic to cats? They are, but to varying degrees depending on how much of the Pothos plant your cat actually ingests.

In order to keep your kitty as safe as possible, it may be best to find other houseplants you like that are more pet-friendly. We have lots of great info on different types of houseplants and how best to care for them, so you won’t be left hanging!

And if you can’t bear to give up your Pothos plant, just be very careful to ensure it’s placed somewhere that your cat can’t get to it.

Sources:

1. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/pothos/pothos-pet-toxicity.htm
2. http://misssmartyplants.com/are-pothos-plants-toxic-to-cats/
3. https://plantcaretoday.com/golden-pothos-cats.html#how-fast-do-symptoms-of-golden-pothos-toxicity-show
4. https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/golden-pothos-poisoning