Is Monstera Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa), also called Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

Monstera deliciosa is closely related to philodendron and contains the same insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

Its large leaves are tempting for some pets to chew, but most stop quickly because of the pain.

How to recognize it

Monstera has very large glossy leaves that develop splits and holes as the plant matures, and thick aerial roots grow from the stems. Young plants have solid heart-shaped leaves and are easily mistaken for philodendron.

Signs to watch for

• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing

What to do

• Rinse the mouth and offer water.
• Contact a vet if symptoms continue or if your pet has trouble breathing.
• Place large monsteras where curious pets cannot chew the leaves, or add a physical barrier.

Is the monstera fruit safe?

Monstera deliciosa gets its species name from its fruit, which people eat in tropical regions when it is fully ripe. Unripe fruit contains calcium oxalate crystals and irritates the mouth and throat, even in people.

Indoor plants rarely fruit, but outdoor monsteras in warm climates do. Do not share the fruit with pets, and pick up any that falls where a dog can reach it.

Why do pets chew the aerial roots?

The thick brown roots that grow out of the stems hang at floor level and look a lot like chew toys or sticks. Cats and puppies often go for them before the leaves. The roots and stems contain the same irritating crystals as the leaves.

You can trim aerial roots that trail on the floor, or guide them into the pot or onto a moss pole, without harming the plant.

• Wear gloves when trimming and put the cuttings straight in a closed bin.
• Wipe the leaves with plain water rather than leaf-shine products, which pets may lick off.
• Put a heavy pot on a stand or in a corner a dog cannot knock over.

What about "mini monstera" and other look-alikes?

Several plants are sold with monstera in the name. Monstera adansonii, the Swiss cheese vine, is a smaller true monstera with the same crystals. "Mini monstera" is usually Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, a different genus in the same aroid family, and is generally treated the same way.

Young Monstera deliciosa plants have solid leaves and are easily mistaken for philodendron. Either way, expect the same mouth irritation if a pet chews one.

Plants sold as monstera are sometimes grown with leaf shine, systemic pesticides or slow-release fertilizer pellets on the soil. Rinse the leaves and remove visible pellets before a new plant goes where pets live.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

• Non-toxicCalathea (prayer plant)
• Non-toxicAreca palm

Common questions

Is monstera poisonous to pets?

Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. Monstera is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing monstera leaves irritates the mouth and can cause drooling and vomiting.

Is it safe to keep monstera in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Place large monsteras where curious pets cannot chew the leaves, or add a physical barrier.

What should I do if my pet chews monstera?

Rinse the mouth and offer water. Contact a vet if symptoms continue or if your pet has trouble breathing.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of monstera?

Calathea and areca palm are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

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Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).