Pothos Epipremnum aureum
Is Pothos Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Quick answer: Yes, pothos is toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning, drooling, and vomiting if chewed or ingested.
| Botanical name | Epipremnum aureum |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect light; tolerates low light but variegation fades and growth slows |
| Watering | Water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry; every 7-14 days average |
| Humidity | Moderate to high humidity, above 40%; mist leaves or use humidifier if dry |
| Temperature | 60-85°F (15-29°C) |
| Soil | Well-draining mix: orchid bark, perlite, peat, or coco coir; moist but not soggy |
| Feeding | Balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months during spring and summer |
| Size | Trailing vine; mature leaves to 30 inches long with deep lobes |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Cats | ⚠️ toxic — Insoluble calcium oxalates cause oral irritation, burning, drooling, vomiting |
| Dogs | ⚠️ toxic — Insoluble calcium oxalates cause oral irritation, burning, drooling, vomiting |
What makes pothos toxic to pets
Pothos contains needle-shaped crystals called insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. These crystals are designed by nature to protect the plant from being eaten—they cause sharp, painful reactions the moment they touch your pet’s mouth or throat.
The damage is almost entirely local to the mouth, throat, and upper digestive tract, since the crystals cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream. This means your cat or dog will experience immediate, intense burning rather than a delayed or mild reaction.
Every part of the plant is toxic
You can’t identify a “safe” part to keep away from your pet—toxins are in the leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits, and seeds. This includes young shoots, trailing vines, and new growth. If your cat or dog chews any part of a pothos plant, they risk poisoning.
Symptoms of pothos poisoning in cats and dogs
If your pet has chewed on pothos, watch for these signs:
- Oral irritation and intense burning around the mouth, tongue, and lips
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
These symptoms typically appear quickly after exposure. If you see any of these signs and suspect your pet has eaten pothos, contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
How to keep your pets safe
The most reliable approach is to place your pothos where cats and dogs cannot reach it. Hang it from a high shelf, mount it on a wall, or keep it in a room your pet doesn’t access. Remember that cats can jump and climb, so “high” may need to be genuinely out of reach.
If you have curious pets and want to avoid the risk entirely, consider choosing a pet-safe houseplant instead.
Read the full guide: Pothos Care: The Complete Guide