Is Pothos Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Pothos (devil's ivy) is moderately toxic to cats and dogs — its calcium-oxalate crystals cause mouth burning, drooling, and vomiting. Call a vet if swelling or breathing trouble appears.
Can cause real harm — call a vet for guidance.
Can cause real harm — call a vet for guidance.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Pothos?
Pothos (devil's ivy) is moderately toxic to cats and dogs — its calcium-oxalate crystals cause mouth burning, drooling, and vomiting. Call a vet if swelling or breathing trouble appears.
Also known as: epipremnum aureum, golden pothos, devils ivy, devil's ivy, money plant, taro vine.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Immediate burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue
- Drooling and foaming at the mouth
- Vomiting and difficulty swallowing
- In rare cases: swelling that affects breathing
🐈 In Cats
- Burning, redness, and swelling of the mouth and tongue
- Drooling and pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting and reduced appetite
- Rarely: airway obstruction from swelling
What to Do If Ingested
- Rinse the mouth with water to remove plant material.
- Wipe any sap off the fur or face.
- Offer water to soothe the mouth.
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline for guidance.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- Difficulty breathing or swelling in the throat
- Persistent drooling or vomiting
- Reduced appetite lasting more than a day
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes pothos toxic to pets?
Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When a pet chews the plant, these needle-like crystals pierce the mouth and throat, causing instant burning, drooling, and swelling. The plant also contains other irritants that add to the stomach upset.
How serious is pothos ingestion?
Most cases cause painful mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting but are not life-threatening. The main danger is rare severe throat swelling that can block breathing. Rinse the mouth, and call a vet if there is any difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or significant swelling.
Is pothos safe if my cat just brushes against it?
Brushing against pothos is unlikely to cause harm — the toxin is released when the plant is chewed or the sap contacts the mouth. However, if sap gets on the paws and the cat licks it, mouth irritation can occur. Wipe paws clean and keep the plant out of reach.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11