My Cat Ate a Monstera Leaf: What to Do and When to Worry
A cat that chews a monstera leaf will usually drool, paw at its mouth or vomit, and recover within a day. Monstera contains sharp calcium oxalate crystals, the same as pothos and peace lily, which sting the mouth and irritate the stomach. The immediate pain usually stops cats eating much. It's unpleasant, but rarely serious.
Right now
- Move the plant and remove any leaf pieces from your cat's mouth.
- Wipe its mouth gently with a damp cloth and offer water.
- Don't make your cat vomit unless a vet advises it.
Symptoms
- Drooling or foaming
- Pawing at the face
- Vomiting
- Reluctance to eat
- Rarely, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
When to call a vet
Call your vet, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (both may charge a fee), if your cat struggles to breathe or swallow (urgent), keeps vomiting, or seems very unwell.
Keep your monstera and your cat
Monsteras are big, so you can't always put them up high. Try a room your cat doesn't use, citrus-scented deterrent sprays on the pot, or cat grass nearby as a better thing to chew. Check your other plants with Planted, which identifies plants from a photo and flags pet toxicity.
Common questions
Is monstera toxic to cats?
Yes, mildly. It causes mouth irritation and stomach upset.
Can a monstera kill a cat?
It's very unlikely. Serious problems are rare, but call a vet if your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.
Why does my cat keep eating my monstera?
Usually boredom or because it likes chewing leaves. Cat grass and play often help.