What are the symptoms if a cat eats Satin Pothos?

Intense oral irritation, burning sensation, pain, pawing at the mouth, and localized swelling (edema) of the tongue and pharynx, Excessive salivation (drooling), Vomiting, retching, and lack of appetite (decreased appetite), Dyspnea and swelling of the upper airways, Excitability, nervous spasms, convulsions, and occasional encephalitis, Renal failure

←

✕ Toxic

Satin Pothos

Q: Is Satin Pothos toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is a popular trailing houseplant with distinctive silver markings on its leaves. It is toxic to cats and should be kept out of their reach, as chewing on the leaves or stems can cause immediate and significant discomfort. The plant's tissues are filled with tiny, sharp, needle-like crystals called insoluble calcium oxalates. When a cat bites into the plant, these crystals embed themselves in the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat, causing intense irritation and a burning sensation. This physical injury is the primary cause of the plant's toxicity. Symptoms appear right away and include intense drooling, pawing at the mouth, visible swelling of the lips or tongue, and vomiting. In severe cases, swelling can obstruct the airway, making breathing difficult. If you suspect your cat has chewed on a Satin Pothos, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Scindapsus pictus

Also known as: Silver Leaf Philodendron, Silk Pothos

Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is a popular trailing houseplant with distinctive silver markings on its leaves. It is toxic to cats and should be kept out of their reach, as chewing on the leaves or stems can cause immediate and significant discomfort. The plant's tissues are filled with tiny, sharp, needle-like crystals called insoluble calcium oxalates. When a cat bites into the plant, these crystals embed themselves in the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat, causing intense irritation and a burning sensation. This physical injury is the primary cause of the plant's toxicity. Symptoms appear right away and include intense drooling, pawing at the mouth, visible swelling of the lips or tongue, and vomiting. In severe cases, swelling can obstruct the airway, making breathing difficult. If you suspect your cat has chewed on a Satin Pothos, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Important Notes

Main hazard: Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides in the leaves and stems cause immediate mouth and throat irritation when chewed.

Symptoms: Sudden oral pain, heavy drooling, pawing at the mouth, swollen lips or tongue, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Why cats get exposed: The trailing vines and silver-patterned leaves can be easy for curious cats to reach or bat at.

Action: Move the plant out of reach, offer water or gently rinse the mouth if safe, and call a vet if swelling, breathing trouble, or repeated vomiting occurs.

Potentially Toxic Parts

Leaf

Stem

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Dyspnea and swelling of the upper airways

Respiratory · Rapidly following exposure (as tissue swelling develops)

Excitability, nervous spasms, convulsions, and occasional encephalitis

Gastrointestinal · Not explicitly specified in the sources

Renal failure

Renal · Not explicitly specified in the sources

Intense oral irritation, burning sensation, pain, pawing at the mouth, and localized swelling (edema) of the tongue and pharynx

Gastrointestinal · Immediate (upon chewing or ingestion)

Excessive salivation (drooling)

Gastrointestinal · Immediate

Vomiting, retching, and lack of appetite (decreased appetite)

Gastrointestinal · Shortly after ingestion

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.