Some of your indoor plants are just not safe if you have pets or young children, which is a sad but inevitable realization in the road of becoming a plant parent. While many common genera of houseplants are stunning to look at, many of them are moderately or seriously hazardous. Still others, when handled excessively, can irritate the skin.
The good news is that with enough preparation, you can determine which dangerous houseplants to stay away from, evaluate the risk to your family and pets, and still enjoy a lively and stunningly green collection of indoor plants.
Here are 10 toxic houseplants that, while we love them, should be used with caution if your children or pets will have access to them. A word of clarity, though, is in need before we proceed: “toxic is a relative term, and the severity of a reaction will depend largely on the level of exposure (amount consumed), which plant species, and the specifics of your pet. Some poisonous houseplants cause short-lived, acute symptoms (such as vomiting). Some can have more serious, life-threatening effects if swallowed in excess, while others only irritate the skin. This list is by no means intended to be comprehensive, so we strongly advise conducting additional research (ASPCA has a great database for pet owners).
Poisonous Houseplants for Pet Owners and Parents to Avoid
- Starting with one of the biggest players, Philodendron (and Monstera) is a vast genus of tropical plants that is particularly well-liked for usage inside because of its great variety of growing habits, leaf shapes, and colors. Plants in this genus are poisonous to dogs and cats as well as somewhat toxic to humans. Oral irritation, soreness and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing are all signs of exposure.
What would happen if my cat digests Monstera Deliciosa?
The cat will experience severe agony and vomit if it consumes Monstera Deliciosa. The cat would have trouble eating and digesting since its mouth and esophagus would be swollen.
What to do if my cat has eaten Monstera Deliciosa?
The cat must be taken as quickly as possible to the veterinarian. There is no cause for concern if neither the symptoms nor the signs exist. Place the Monstera Deliciosa as far away from the cat as possible.
Why are cats attracted to Monstera Deliciosa?
Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures who enjoy messing around with plants. The Deliciosa plant’s tall, glossy leaves frequently lure the cat.
Can cats eat small Monstera plants?
One bite is all it takes for your cat to become toxic enough to develop Monstera poisoning symptoms. Even though a single bite usually won’t be lethal, the symptoms will get worse the more Monstera the cat consumes.
Most cats won’t eat that much Monstera because even a tiny nibble can inflict excruciating mouth pain and burning, and Monstera poisoning is often not fatal unless ingested in massive quantities.
Even though it is frequently not harmful for your cat to chew on a Monstera, it is best to consult your veterinarian or poison control as soon as you can for advice. They can direct you toward the actions that are best for your cat.
Are Mini Monsteras poisonous to cats?
Cats should avoid Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma), which also has insoluble calcium oxalate crystals like the Swiss cheese plant. Cats should not be allowed to interact with either micro Monstera or Monstera plants because they both have the potential to harm your pets in the same ways due to their toxicity.
Although it belongs to the same Araceae family as Monstera, the Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) isn’t a true Monstera plant. They have the same distinctive holes in the leaves as Monstera, thus they do resemble it. Even when consumed, they have the same side effects.
The Mini Monstera, on the other hand, is smaller and doesn’t yield Monstera fruit like the real plant does. Importantly, though, their leaves are just as poisonous as the Monstera plant, and your cat may suffer unpleasant side effects if they eat the plant’s leaves.
Cats: Can split leaf monstera be toxic?
Though you would expect it, there isn’t a simple “yes” or “no” response to this query.
The ASPCA has designated the popular aroid houseplant genus Monstera as hazardous. It may be argued, though, that this isn’t actually the right term. Because calcium oxalate crystals are present in every part of this genus, it is considered toxic (more on what those are below).
When consumed, calcium oxalate crystals are extremely irritating, particularly to the lips and even the stomach. Whether it’s a Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, or one of the other varieties, your cat won’t likely have a good time if it eats your Monstera. (I haven’t tried!) Apparently, this stuff can be excruciatingly unpleasant.
The point is, even though your cat or dog may act irritated and in pain after biting into your Monstera, it should be alright otherwise. The only actual risk arises if an unusual swelling reaction takes place. The only unpleasant sensation is on the tongue and throat region; there is no toxin in its system that is progressively shutting down its body.
So, not toxic. But is it dangerous?
The actual question is, of course, whether Monstera is hazardous or just unpleasant, whether it is toxic or not. There is no particular reason to be alarmed if your pet does manage to get its paws on this houseplant, although I personally would try to keep it out of their reach.
Since it would be painful to take another bite after the first one, the actual threat posed by this plant is minimal.
In addition to the aforementioned, Monstera leaves aren’t particularly the dangly-stringy variety that cats prefer, so it’s unlikely that your feline companion will attempt to chomp on them in the first place. It will probably target your spider plant or string of hearts more frequently. On the other hand, dogs are always a gamble.
Advice: Although the term “toxic” for Monstera and other calcium oxalate-rich houseplants may be overused, keep in mind that not all species that are given this designation are harmful. Some, like lilies, are actually quite toxic. Check always before purchasing!
Why doesn’t Monstera allow pets?
Because of their insoluble sharp or needle-like oxalate crystals, or insoluble calcium oxalate known as raphides, monstera are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. When chewed or swallowed, they will embed in mucus, causing intense stinging or burning in the mouth, throat, or lips.
The Monstera plant’s leaves, fruits, stems, roots, and flowers are all poisonous or toxic. And since all 45 species are affected, even M. adansonii, Split-leaf philodendron, and Monstera deliciosa are poisonous to cats, dogs, and other animals.
We are aware that fully ripened Monstera deliciosa fruits are safe to eat and not poisonous. However, avoid giving them to your dog or cat because they might not be the healthiest option.
The majority of the other houseplants in the Araceae family, excluding Monstera, also contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These plants consist of:
- stupid cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)
- Asian evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Calm lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
- Caladium lily
- Philodendrons
- Huge Taro (Alocasia antiquorum)
- Flowering Flamingo (Anthurium spp.)
- Animal ears (Caladium spp.)
- Pothos
But because the concentration of these crystals varies from plant to plant, the intensity of the symptoms vary as well. For instance, the symptoms from a dumb cane will be more severe.
If you are already frightened, it may help to know that Monstera plants are only moderately toxic, meaning they are not as dangerous as Vinca or Azalea (Rhododendron spp.). Not even in the same league as an amaryllis, a sago palm, some lilies (Lilium sp.), a snake plant, etc. They are hazardous or destructive nonetheless.
Last but not least, Monstera has a level 3 or 4 of severity. Level 1 plants are typically extremely hazardous and may result in serious illness or even death, but level 2 plants are just mildly poisonous and only cause vomiting and digestive problems.
How long does cat poisoning from monstera last?
Due to the presence of hole patterns on the leaves that resemble the holes found on cheese, monstera, often known as the “Swiss cheese plant,” is an eye-catching addition to any landscape. In the tropics of North and South America, it grows into a woody vine that can reach heights of up to 21 meters. It’s also a well-liked indoor plant because it has a lovely appearance and is disease- and pest-resistant. Its gorgeous, cheese-like leaves, which may get up to one meter wide, give the appearance of being wider.
Monstera Adansonii vs Monstera Deliciosa
Compared to Monstera deliciosa, Monstera Adansonii has smaller leaves. Adansonii’s leaves have more holes and are a little thinner. On the other side, Deliciosa only has 5 or 6 holes overall.
Why Monstera toxic to cats?
Monstera deliciosa, often known as the Swiss-cheese plant, is the most typical plant that poisons pets. The cat’s mouth tissues are deeply irritated by the insoluble calcium oxalate particles from the Swiss cheese plant. Cats, on the other hand, seem to favor leaves with more string. Therefore, if you have cats, don’t expect them to eat it. The majority of cats will only take a mouthful before rejecting the plant due to its awful flavor. One bite can cause this disease, therefore it’s best to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Is Monstera Adansonii poisonous to cats?
Crystals of calcium oxalate are seen in the Monstera Adansonii plant. This substance is deadly when freshly swallowed and enters the tissues of the cat’s mouth, causing excruciating pain.
Symptoms of Monstera toxic to cats
To recognize the signs of Monstera toxic to cats, use the changes you noticed while keeping an eye on the cat. excessive drooling, choking, throat swelling, inability to swallow, or difficulty swallowing. Up to two weeks after ingesting the toxin, symptoms may persist. When a considerable amount of poison is consumed, symptoms worsen significantly, including any or all of the problems mentioned above, as well as the possibility of kidney failure, coma, and potentially death. However, it is still possible to recover from poisoning. The appropriate drugs can be used to treat feline monstera toxicity.
Treatment and the first aid to Monstera toxic to Cats
Due to the monstera deliciosa poisoning, your cat will probably be in a lot of agony. As a result, the first step in treatment is to relieve the cat’s discomfort by cleaning the toxin from the monstera out of the cat’s mouth. After that, you’ll need to get your cat to a vet as soon as you can. Prior to bringing the cat to the veterinarian for medication, it is ideal if you can clean its mouth.
Since the toxin makes the cats exceedingly uncomfortable, even if it rarely results in death, monstera plant poisonous cats are simple to identify. Most cats receive treatment very away and are sent home, but some may need to stay longer in the hospital if they are dehydrated and need more fluids.
First Aid and what to do when your cat ate monstera leaf?
Clear any visible crystals from the Cheese plant monstera that are dangerous by gently washing your cat’s mouth. Cats should visit a vet as soon as possible if more medication is necessary.
Indoor plants which are toxic and not safe for Pets & Cats
- European Cheese Plant (Monstera)
- The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Aloe vera vegetation
- Dieffenbachia
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Jade Trees (Crassula)
- Viper Plants (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Avocado Fern
- Palm Sago
- Ivy, sweetheart
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals found in monstera leaves infiltrate the tissues of the cat’s mouth and cause significant discomfort.
Cat-toxic Monstera symptoms include:
- Mouth annoyance
- the tongue swelling
- the face and lips swelling
- having trouble swallowing
Cats are harmed by the insoluble calcium oxalates present in peace lilies. Lilies are one of the most dangerous flowers for cats since almost every part of the lily bloom is harmful to them.
Symptoms of cat toxicity from peace lily flowers:
- Vomiting
- throat and mouth sensitivity
- Drooling
- breathing and swallowing challenges
Aloe vera is commonly thought to be safe for cats. Aloe vera is harmful to cats, though. Cats are poisoned by anthraquinones, a class of chemical compounds found in aloe vera, as well as saponins, glycosides that are toxic to cats.
cat-toxic aloe vera symptoms include:
- lethargy
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- Having trouble swallowing
Due to the calcium oxalates and a proteolytic enzyme found in the dieffenbachia leaves, it can be harmful to cats. The dieffenbachia plant, despite its attractive appearance and popularity as a houseplant, is harmful to cats.
Dieffenbachia harmful to cats symptoms include:
- Swelling
- discomfort in the mouth
- mouth a burning sensation
One of the most beautiful plants for home décor, pothos are dangerous to cats because the leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalates. Placing the pothos plant higher up where it can’t be reached will prevent your cat from eating the leaves.
Pothos poisoning symptoms in cats
- swelling
- lips and mouth are burning
Jade plants can harm cats as well as other animals like dogs and horses. When it comes into contact with human skin, it can be somewhat harmful. As a symbol of fortune, many people keep jade plants in their homes. Make sure your pets can’t get to it.
Cat-toxic Jade plant symptoms include:
The long-shaped leaves of snake plants contain saponins, which are glycosides poisonous to cats. Due to their appearance, some plants are more prone to attract and be consumed by pets.
Cat-toxic snake plant symptoms include:
diarrhea
The presence of high alkaline content in asparagus leaves is the main worry for a cat who regularly consumes asparagus, despite the widespread belief that asparagus fern is safe for cats. Your cats and other pets are at risk.
Cats are poisonous to asparagus fern when:
- Urine’s chemical composition varies.
- blocked urinary tracts
The sago palm contains the deadly toxin cyclasin. Cats who consume the leaves of the sago palm, one of the most hazardous plants for domestic pets, may suffer terrible consequences, just like they might with the cat-unfriendly monstera.
Sago palm poisoning symptoms for cats:
- Diarrhoea
- a liver problem
Sweetheart Ivy leaves contain triterpenoid saponins, which are dangerous to cats and are more toxic than the fruit. One of the most popular types of plants that attract pets is sweetheart ivy, which is recommended to flow down from a container hanging above them to keep them secure.