Is Monstera Toxic to Cats and Dogs? Symptoms and What to Do

Updated 25 October 2026 · about 4 min read

Yes. Monstera deliciosa, often called the Swiss cheese plant and listed by the ASPCA as split-leaf philodendron, is toxic to cats and dogs. Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause burning and swelling in the mouth when chewed. Pets usually drool, paw at their mouth and may vomit, and the pain tends to stop them eating much. If your pet has chewed a monstera, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Why monstera is toxic

Like pothos, philodendron and peace lily, monstera belongs to the arum family (Araceae). Plants in this family store microscopic, needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals in their tissue. When a leaf is bitten, the crystals pierce the lining of the mouth and throat, causing immediate pain and inflammation.

The whole plant contains these crystals, including the aerial roots that cats sometimes like to chew. The ripe fruit of Monstera deliciosa is eaten by people in some parts of the world, but houseplants almost never fruit indoors, and the unripe fruit is irritating, so it doesn't change the advice for pets.

Symptoms of monstera poisoning in cats and dogs

Signs usually appear quickly, often within minutes:

  • Drooling or foaming at the mouth
  • Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face on the floor
  • Red or swollen lips, tongue and gums
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing or refusing food
  • Restlessness or crying

Rarely, the mouth and throat swell enough to affect breathing. That's an emergency, so take your pet to a vet right away.

What to do if your pet ate monstera

  1. Take any leaf pieces away and gently remove what's left in your pet's mouth if it's safe to do so.
  2. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (open 24/7; a consultation fee may apply).
  3. Don't induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
  4. Offer water if your vet says it's okay. It can help rinse the crystals from the mouth.
  5. Keep an eye on your pet for the next several hours for swelling, ongoing vomiting or any breathing changes.

Most cats and dogs recover within a day with supportive care.

Are monstera adansonii and other types toxic too?

Yes. Monstera adansonii (the "Swiss cheese vine"), Monstera obliqua and other monstera species are all aroids and contain calcium oxalate crystals. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, sold as "mini monstera," is a different genus but is also an aroid and should be treated as toxic to pets.

How to keep a monstera with pets

Monsteras are big, which makes them harder to put out of reach than a small pothos. A few things help:

  • Train the plant upward on a moss pole so the leaves sit higher than a pet can comfortably reach.
  • Remove low leaves that hang near the floor or the edge of the pot.
  • Cover the soil with a mesh or large stones if a cat digs in the pot, which often leads to chewing.
  • Pick up cut or fallen leaves straight away.
  • Use a room your pet can't get into if it chews plants regularly.

If your monstera is struggling after being chewed or knocked over, our guide to monstera leaves turning yellow covers the most common recovery problems.

Pet-safe alternatives with a similar look

If you want big, dramatic leaves without the risk, these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA:

  • Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans): soft, feathery fronds and happy in medium light.
  • Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens): a larger, bushy palm for a bright spot.
  • Calathea and prayer plant: bold, patterned leaves, though they like humidity.
  • Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior): broad, dark leaves and very tolerant of neglect.

Not sure what plant it was?

Plenty of large-leaved plants look alike, and poison control will ask for the exact plant. Planted can identify a plant from a photo, so you can give the right name and check whether your other plants are pet-safe.

Common questions

Is monstera toxic to cats if they just lick it?

Licking an intact leaf is unlikely to release many crystals, because they're released when the tissue is broken. Chewing or biting is what causes the reaction. If you're not sure whether your cat bit the leaf, look for tooth marks and watch for drooling.

How long do monstera poisoning symptoms last?

Mouth pain and drooling usually ease within a few hours, and most pets are back to normal within a day. If symptoms last longer or get worse, call your vet.

Is monstera toxic to humans?

It can irritate the mouth, throat and skin of people too, so keep it away from young children who put things in their mouths, and consider wearing gloves when pruning if your skin is sensitive.

Is monstera more toxic than pothos?

They contain the same type of crystals and cause the same symptoms. Monstera's thicker leaves and stems mean a single bite can be a bigger mouthful, but the risk to pets is generally considered similar.