Is Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) Toxic to Cats and Dogs? (Monstera deliciosa)

Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant), Monstera deliciosa: listed as toxic to cats and dogs (insoluble calcium oxalates). Signs, what to do, and how to confirm the species.

This page reports what veterinary poison-control references say about each plant. It is not a promise that a plant is harmless, and it is not treatment advice. If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

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At a glance

Scientific name: Monstera deliciosa
Also called: Cutleaf Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Ceriman, Mexican Breadfruit
Toxic to cats: Yes
Toxic to dogs: Yes
Toxic principle: Insoluble calcium oxalates
Signs reported: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

Is Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) toxic to cats and dogs?

ASPCA Animal Poison Control lists Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) (Monstera deliciosa) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is Insoluble calcium oxalates. Signs reported: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing..

Note on this entry

The ASPCA entry is listed under "Swiss Cheese Plant," scientific name Monstera deliciosa.

What to do if your pet ate it

If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Note what was eaten, how much and when, and bring a photo or a piece of the plant. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a professional tells you to.

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Confirm it is really this plant

Toxicity lists are by species, and many houseplants look alike. Photograph the whole plant, a leaf close-up and any flower in even light; the app reads the species first, then you can check it here. If the species is uncertain, act as if it were toxic.

FAQ

Is Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) safe for cats?

No. It is listed as toxic to cats; reported signs include oral irritation.

Is Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) safe for dogs?

No. It is listed as toxic to dogs.

My pet only chewed a leaf. Should I still call?

Yes. Amount, size of the animal and the part eaten all matter, and the hotlines are staffed to judge that. Calling early is cheaper than waiting for signs.

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