Is Pothos Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also called devil's ivy or golden pothos, is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

Pothos is one of the most common houseplants. Like philodendron and dieffenbachia, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat when chewed.

Its trailing vines are tempting for cats to bat at and chew. Most pets stop after the first bite because of the discomfort.

How to recognize it

Pothos is a trailing or climbing vine with glossy heart-shaped leaves, often marbled with yellow, white or silver, usually grown in hanging baskets or along shelves. It is easily confused with heartleaf philodendron, which causes similar mouth irritation.

Signs to watch for

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

What to do

• Rinse the mouth with water and offer a cool drink.
• Contact your vet if drooling or vomiting continues, or immediately if breathing is affected.
• Hang pothos high and trim trailing vines so cats cannot reach them.

Are all the pothos varieties the same?

Golden pothos, marble queen, neon, 'Pearls and Jade' and 'N'Joy' are all cultivars of Epipremnum aureum. The ASPCA lists the species as toxic to cats and dogs under several names, including devil's ivy, taro vine and ivy arum. Leaf color makes no difference to the risk.

Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is a different plant in the same family. It is usually treated with the same caution because aroids in general contain calcium oxalate crystals.

Heartleaf philodendron is the plant most often sold as pothos by mistake. It causes the same mouth irritation, so a wrong label does not change what to watch for.

Why do cats go after pothos vines?

A long vine that sways when touched looks a lot like a toy. Cats bat at the ends, pull them down and bite through the stems. Some cats also chew plant material because they like the texture, and bored indoor cats do it more.

Dogs are more likely to find leaves that have fallen or a pot knocked to the floor. Puppies that chew everything are the most common canine cases.

• Trim vines so they hang well above the reach of a cat standing on its hind legs.
• Keep hanging baskets away from furniture a cat can jump from.
• Offer cat grass (oat or wheat grass) as something a cat is allowed to chew.
• Pick up dropped leaves and trimmings the same day.

Is a pothos cutting in a jar of water safer?

A pothos cutting in a jar of water is not really safer. Pothos is often grown from cuttings in glasses of water on a counter or windowsill, which is exactly where cats like to walk and drink. The cutting itself still has the same crystals, and a light glass is easy to tip over.

Put propagation jars in a closed room or inside a cabinet with glass doors, and give your cat its own water bowl away from them.

Pet-safe alternatives

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

• Non-toxicSpider plant
• Non-toxicBoston fern

Common questions

Is pothos poisonous to pets?

Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. Pothos is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing pothos causes mouth irritation and drooling, but serious illness is rare.

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

Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Hang pothos high and trim trailing vines so cats cannot reach them.

What should I do if my pet chews pothos?

Rinse the mouth with water and offer a cool drink. Contact your vet if drooling or vomiting continues, or immediately if breathing is affected.

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

Spider plant and Boston fern are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

← All plants

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).