Is Pothos Toxic to Pets?
Yes — pothos is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — pothos is mildly toxic to dogs. Yes — pothos is mildly toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Epipremnum aureum
- Toxic compound
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Toxic parts
- Leaves and stems
- Also known as
- devil's ivy, golden pothos, money plant
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling
- Burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling
- Burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
Horses (mildly toxic)
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling
- Burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
What to do
If your cat ate pothos
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate pothos
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
If your horse ate pothos
- Remove any plant material from your horse's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your horse is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
One of the most common houseplants in pet homes. Chewing releases needle-like crystals that sting the mouth, so most pets stop after one bite.
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Frequently asked questions
Is pothos toxic to cats?
Yes — pothos is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include pawing at the mouth or face, drooling, burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Is pothos toxic to dogs?
Yes — pothos is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include pawing at the mouth or face, drooling, burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Is pothos toxic to horses?
Yes — pothos is mildly toxic to horses. Common signs include pawing at the mouth or face, drooling, burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Which parts of pothos are toxic?
Leaves and stems.
What makes pothos toxic?
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.