Is Pothos toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes, Pothos is toxic to both cats and dogs. The whole plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which release on contact and irritate the mouth, tongue and throat when chewed. The ASPCA rates it mild to moderate, so expect drooling, oral pain and sometimes vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. Rinse your pet's mouth with water and watch closely for any swelling.

Why it's toxic

Pothos leaves, vines and stems are loaded with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, known as raphides. They are packed into needle-shaped bundles that get pushed out the moment a pet bites the plant. The crystals lodge in the soft tissue of the lips, tongue and throat, producing an immediate burning, stinging pain and inflammation. Because the crystals are insoluble, they are not absorbed into the bloodstream like a systemic toxin, so the harm stays mostly in the mouth and is generally mild to moderate. The sharp pain usually stops a pet from eating much, which limits how serious the reaction gets.

Symptoms of poisoning

Heavy drooling or foaming at the mouth
Pawing at the mouth or face
Oral pain and reluctance to eat or drink
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
Vomiting
Temporary loss of appetite
In rare cases, difficulty breathing or swallowing from swelling

What to do if your pet eats it

Remove the plant. Take any chewed leaves or vine pieces away so your pet cannot eat more.
Rinse the mouth. Gently flush the mouth with cool water or wipe it with a damp cloth to clear out lingering crystals.
Offer water or food. A cool drink, milk or a small bite of food helps soothe the burning and wash crystals away.
Call for advice. Contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 if symptoms are severe or you are unsure.
Monitor closely. Watch for swelling, trouble breathing or repeated vomiting over the next 12 to 24 hours, and seek emergency care if any develop.

How to keep pets safe

Hang Pothos high or set it on a tall shelf so the trailing vines do not dangle where pets can grab them. Keep long stems trimmed back, since dangling foliage is the biggest temptation. A bitter-apple or citrus deterrent spray on nearby surfaces discourages chewers, and offering cat grass or a chew toy gives pets a safe outlet. Pick up any dropped leaves quickly so they are not found on the floor.

Aspect	Detail
Toxic compound	Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides)
Animals affected	Cats and dogs
Severity	Mild to moderate
Common symptoms	Drooling, oral pain, pawing at mouth, vomiting
Action	Rinse mouth, offer water, call vet or ASPCA 888-426-4435, monitor for swelling

Frequently asked questions

Is Pothos poisonous to cats?

Yes. Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate a cat's mouth, tongue and throat on contact. It typically causes drooling, pawing at the mouth and oral pain rather than serious illness, and most cats recover within a day once they stop chewing.

Is Pothos poisonous to dogs?

Yes. The same calcium oxalate crystals affect dogs, causing mouth irritation, drooling and sometimes vomiting. The reaction is usually mild to moderate because the burning sensation discourages a dog from eating much of the plant.

Can Pothos kill a cat or dog?

It is very unlikely. The ASPCA rates Pothos as mild to moderate, not fatal. Serious cases are rare and usually involve swelling that affects breathing or swallowing. Any difficulty breathing is an emergency and needs a vet right away.

What happens if my cat eats Pothos?

Expect immediate mouth irritation, drooling, pawing at the face and sometimes vomiting within minutes. Rinse the mouth with water, offer a cool drink, and watch for swelling. Most cats recover within 12 to 24 hours once the crystals are flushed out.

Why is my trailing Pothos a risk to pets?

Pothos vines hang down where cats and dogs can easily reach and bat at them, making the leaves tempting to chew. Hanging the plant high or trimming long vines keeps the foliage out of a curious pet's reach.

How do I keep my pet away from Pothos?

Hang the Pothos high or place it on a tall shelf so the vines do not dangle within reach. Keep trailing stems trimmed short, use a bitter deterrent spray nearby, and offer cat grass so pets have a safe chewing alternative.