Plant care guide
Is Pothos Toxic to Cats and Dogs? Signs and What to Do
Updated
Is Pothos toxic to pets?
Yes. The ASPCA lists golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) as toxic to dogs and cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
What to do first
If your pet has chewed pothos, take any plant pieces away and call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435. Then move the plant, including trailing vines and fallen leaves, out of reach.
Yes, pothos is toxic to cats and dogs. If your pet has just chewed a leaf, the reaction can look alarming: pawing, drooling and distress. Stay calm, take the plant away, and call for advice. The ASPCA lists golden pothos, Epipremnum aureum, as toxic to both dogs and cats (ASPCA: Golden Pothos). The ASPCA also lists it under the names pothos, devil’s ivy, taro vine and ivy arum.
Why Pothos Hurts Pets
The ASPCA gives the toxic principle as insoluble calcium oxalates. These crystals irritate the mouth on contact, which is why the signs appear fast.
NC State Extension lists every part of the plant as toxic: leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits and seeds (NC State: Epipremnum aureum). It rates poison severity as medium and flags pothos as a problem for cats, dogs and horses. Variegated forms such as ‘Marble Queen’ are the same species, so treat them the same way.
Penn State Extension describes pothos as poisonous yet non-lethal to people and their pets, with crystals that irritate the skin and digestive tract (Penn State: Pothos as a Houseplant). Clemson HGIC calls all parts mildly toxic if eaten (HGIC 1568). Mild does not mean you should ignore it. Your vet should judge how your pet is doing.
Signs to Watch For
The ASPCA lists these clinical signs in dogs and cats:
- Oral irritation
- Intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
NC State adds pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, skin irritation and diarrhoea. A pet that paws at its face or suddenly drools near a chewed vine has probably bitten the plant.
What to Do Right Now
- Remove the plant and any pieces from your pet’s reach, and from its mouth if you can do so safely.
- Call for advice. Phone your veterinarian, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA says the line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and a consultation fee may apply (ASPCA Poison Control).
- Have the details ready. Know the plant’s name (Epipremnum aureum), roughly how much was chewed, when, and what signs you have seen. A photo of the plant helps.
- Follow the advice you are given. Do not give medicines or home remedies unless the vet or poison line tells you to.
- Go to a clinic if your pet has trouble swallowing or breathing, keeps vomiting, or seems to be getting worse.
Living With Pothos and Pets
Clemson advises keeping pothos out of reach of children and pets. Height alone is not always enough, so think about how your pet moves.
- Watch the vines. A trailing pothos can hang down to paw height. Trim vines so they stay well above any surface your pet can reach.
- Pick up fallen leaves. NC State notes that older pothos leaves yellow and fall off over time.
- Consider cats’ reach. Cats climb. A high shelf next to furniture is not out of reach.
- Use a closed room if you have one your pet never enters.
- Choose another plant if none of this is practical. Our pet-safe plants guide lists alternatives, and our toxic plants for pets article covers other common houseplants to watch.
Penn State notes that the sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when you prune and wash your hands afterwards. For general care, see the pothos hub.
Related guides
Other pothos problems we cover: mold, overwatering, algae confusion in water propagation, sunburn treatment, aerial roots.
References
How this guide was put together: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, NC State Extension, Clemson HGIC and Penn State Extension guidance.