Is pothos toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil's Ivy, is classified as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Pothos is one of the most common toxic houseplants due to its popularity and widespread availability.

Is snake plant toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. It contains saponins that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Despite its popularity as a low-maintenance air-purifying plant, snake plant should not be kept in households with pets.

Is monstera toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral pain, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Monstera has become a popular houseplant in recent years, which makes this toxicity risk important for pet owners to understand.

Are there pet-safe alternatives to popular toxic houseplants?

Yes. Many beautiful houseplants are ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats and dogs. Spider plants provide trailing foliage similar to pothos. Areca palms and parlor palms offer dramatic tropical presence similar to monstera. Peperomia varieties provide diverse leaf shapes and textures. Prayer plants and calatheas provide striking patterned foliage. Root & Reach Botanicals specializes exclusively in ASPCA-verified non-toxic houseplants, offering 150+ varieties for pet-owning households.

Can I keep toxic plants if they are elevated out of reach?

This approach carries significant risk. Cats are skilled climbers and can access elevated spaces most owners consider out of reach. Leaves and flowers from elevated plants can fall to the floor. Some toxic plants, including certain lily varieties, can cause harm through indirect exposure such as pollen contact. The safest approach for households with pets is to replace toxic plants with ASPCA-verified non-toxic alternatives rather than attempt to manage access to toxic varieties.

Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs - Complete Avoidance Guide

Pet Safety Resource

Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs: A Complete Avoidance Guide

Protect your pets with this comprehensive reference guide. Learn which common houseplants pose serious toxicity risks, how to recognize poisoning symptoms, and discover beautiful ASPCA-verified non-toxic alternatives for every variety covered here.

Pet Poisoning Emergency Contacts

If your pet has ingested a potentially toxic plant, contact emergency veterinary or poison control services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and collect a sample or photograph of the plant for identification.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

(888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline

(855) 764-7661

Common Toxic Houseplants: What to Remove from Your Home

These are among the most frequently encountered toxic houseplants. Many are widely sold by general plant retailers without prominent safety warnings. If any of these are currently in your home, we recommend replacing them with ASPCA-verified non-toxic alternatives.

Lilies

Lilium and Hemerocallis species

Severe / Potentially Fatal

Among the most dangerous plants for cats. Even tiny amounts of pollen can cause acute kidney failure. Water from a vase containing lilies is also considered dangerous. Cats and dogs should have zero access to any lily variety.

Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta

Severe / Potentially Fatal

All parts are highly toxic, with seeds being the most concentrated. Can cause liver failure, seizures, and death in both cats and dogs. Requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment if ingested.

Oleander

Nerium oleander

Severe / Potentially Fatal

Contains cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart function. Even dried leaves remain toxic. Can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Commonly found in outdoor landscapes in warm climates; dangerous if brought indoors or accessed by pets outdoors.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Rhododendron species

Severe

Contains grayanotoxins that disrupt nerve and heart function. Even small amounts can cause severe vomiting, drooling, muscle weakness, and cardiac complications in both cats and dogs.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia seguine

Moderate

Also called Dumb Cane. Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate intense oral pain and swelling. Can interfere with breathing and swallowing if consumed in significant quantity.

Philodendron

Philodendron species

Moderate

Causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing due to calcium oxalate crystals. A common and popular houseplant genus, which makes this toxicity risk particularly important for pet owners to know.

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Moderate

Also known as Devil's Ivy. One of the most popular trailing houseplants, and one of the most commonly encountered toxic varieties in pet-owning homes. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and drooling.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum species

Moderate

Despite its gentle name, peace lily is toxic to cats and dogs. Contains calcium oxalate crystals causing mouth irritation, drooling, and digestive upset. Not a true lily, but still poses meaningful toxicity risk.

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Moderate

The widely popular Swiss Cheese Plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Causes oral pain, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Its dramatic foliage has made it a design staple, making this toxicity risk especially relevant for households with pets.

Snake Plant

Sansevieria trifasciata

Mild to Moderate

Frequently marketed for its low-maintenance care and air-purifying qualities. Contains saponins that cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats and dogs. A popular choice that must be avoided in pet households.

Aloe Vera

Aloe barbadensis

Mild to Moderate

The latex component in aloe leaves causes gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and changes in urine color in dogs and cats. While beneficial for human topical use, aloe is not appropriate for households with pets who may chew on plant foliage.

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Mild to Moderate

A popular low-light, low-maintenance plant that contains calcium oxalate crystals. Can cause stomach upset and skin or mucous membrane irritation in cats and dogs. Often recommended for beginners, making its toxicity important to flag.

Recognizing Plant Poisoning Symptoms

Early symptom recognition can be critical. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following after a pet has accessed a plant. Do not wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own.

Immediate Symptoms (0 to 2 Hours)

Excessive drooling or salivation
Pawing at mouth or rubbing the face
Visible swelling of mouth, tongue, or lips
Difficulty swallowing
Vomiting or repeated retching
Sudden loss of appetite

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Nausea and repeated vomiting
Diarrhea, potentially with blood
Abdominal pain or bloating
Sudden disinterest in food
Excessive thirst
Changes in urination frequency or color

Neurological Symptoms

Unusual lethargy or weakness
Depression or unresponsiveness
Muscle tremors or seizures
Loss of coordination or stumbling
Confusion or disorientation
Uncharacteristic behavioral changes

Emergency Warning Signs

Labored or rapid breathing
Irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations
Collapse or inability to stand
Loss of consciousness
Severe dehydration
Signs of organ distress

Prevention: Protecting Your Pets from Toxic Plants

Research every plant using the official ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center database before bringing it home, regardless of what the retailer tells you
Verify by scientific name, not common name, since common names are often shared by multiple species with different toxicity profiles
Even with ASPCA-verified non-toxic plants, discourage pets from eating plant material to avoid mild digestive upset
Remove fallen leaves, petals, and berries from floors immediately, particularly in households with cats who may bat plants down from shelves
Never assume a plant is safe because it is widely sold or popular; many of the most toxic houseplants are bestsellers at general retailers
Be cautious with fresh-cut bouquets and floral arrangements, which frequently include toxic varieties such as lilies
Keep the ASPCA Poison Control number (888-426-4435) saved in your phone before you ever need it
If you currently have toxic plants, consider replacing them with ASPCA-verified non-toxic alternatives rather than attempting to manage pet access
Photograph all plants in your home for quick identification in the event of an emergency

Your Entire Home Can Be Beautiful and Safe

There is a stunning ASPCA-verified non-toxic alternative for every toxic plant listed on this page. Spider plants trail like pothos. Parlor palms make the same dramatic statement as monstera. Our 150+ variety collection has been entirely curated so you never have to make a choice between beautiful plants and a safe home for your pets.

Browse ASPCA-Verified Non-Toxic Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately if my pet eats a toxic plant? +

Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a veterinarian, as this can cause additional harm with certain toxins. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately. If your pet is unconscious, seizing, or having difficulty breathing, go directly to an emergency veterinary clinic without delay. Bring a sample or photograph of the plant for accurate identification.

Are there pet-safe alternatives to popular toxic plants? +

Yes. Spider plants trail and cascade similarly to pothos. Areca palms and parlor palms create the same dramatic tropical presence as monstera or philodendrons. Peperomia varieties offer interesting textures and shapes. Prayer plants and calatheas provide bold, patterned foliage. Boston ferns, cast iron plants, and many palm varieties fill large spaces beautifully. Root & Reach Botanicals carries 150+ varieties, all ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats and dogs, so you can shop without researching each plant individually.

Can I keep toxic plants if they are elevated and out of reach? +

This approach carries significant risk and is not recommended. Cats are highly capable climbers and can access positions most owners consider inaccessible. Leaves and flowers fall from elevated plants. Some toxic varieties, including certain lily species, can cause harm through pollen exposure or contaminated water, not only direct ingestion. The safest and most reliable approach is to replace toxic plants with ASPCA-verified non-toxic alternatives rather than managing access to toxic varieties.

How are mildly toxic plants different from severely toxic ones? +

Mildly toxic plants typically cause localized irritation and digestive upset, while severely toxic plants can cause organ failure or be life-threatening. However, toxicity outcomes depend heavily on the size of the animal, the amount consumed, and the specific compounds involved. Small pets are at greater risk from all toxicity levels, and animals with pre-existing health conditions may be more vulnerable than healthy adults. All toxic plants should be treated as serious risks and removed from pet households when possible.

Where can I verify whether a plant is toxic to my pets? +

The most authoritative source is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's plant databases, available at aspca.org. They maintain separate lists for plants non-toxic to dogs and plants non-toxic to cats, and also maintain toxic plant lists. Always search by scientific name rather than common name for accurate results, since common names are frequently shared by multiple species with different toxicity profiles. The ASPCA databases are the same primary source Root & Reach Botanicals uses to curate our entire non-toxic collection.

Sources and Research

This guide was compiled from authoritative veterinary and toxicological sources. We encourage all pet owners to consult these resources directly.

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
"Plants Non-Toxic to Dogs" and "Plants Toxic to Dogs" databases.
aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list

2. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
"Plants Non-Toxic to Cats" and "Plants Toxic to Cats" databases.
aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list

3. Pet Poison Helpline
"Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats" toxicity database.
petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons

4. Merck Veterinary Manual
"Plants Poisonous to Animals" veterinary toxicology reference.
merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/poisonous-plants

5. American Veterinary Medical Association
"Household Hazards for Pets" professional guidance resource.
avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/household-hazards