What are the symptoms if a cat eats Pothos / Devil’s Ivy?

Intense burning, irritation, and pain of the mouth, lips, and tongue, Excessive drooling or hypersalivation, Swelling of the mouth and tongue, accompanied by difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), Vomiting

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✕ Toxic

Pothos / Devil’s Ivy

Q: Is Pothos / Devil’s Ivy toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil's Ivy, is a very common houseplant with long, trailing vines. It is not safe for cats, especially since its hanging leaves are often tempting for curious pets to play with and chew. The main danger comes from tiny, sharp needles inside the plant's cells called insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When a cat bites into the leaves or stems, these microscopic needles shoot out and stab the tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat. This causes sudden and sharp pain rather than a body-wide illness. Because the pain happens right away, most cats stop chewing before they eat a large amount. If a cat bites a pothos plant, they may start drooling heavily, paw at their mouth in pain, or vomit. You might also see swelling around their lips, mouth, and tongue. In severe cases, the swelling can make it hard for the cat to swallow. Move trailing vines completely out of reach, and contact a veterinarian if the swelling is bad or if your cat has trouble swallowing.

Epipremnum aureum or Epipremnum spp.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil's Ivy, is a very common houseplant with long, trailing vines. It is not safe for cats, especially since its hanging leaves are often tempting for curious pets to play with and chew. The main danger comes from tiny, sharp needles inside the plant's cells called insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When a cat bites into the leaves or stems, these microscopic needles shoot out and stab the tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat. This causes sudden and sharp pain rather than a body-wide illness. Because the pain happens right away, most cats stop chewing before they eat a large amount. If a cat bites a pothos plant, they may start drooling heavily, paw at their mouth in pain, or vomit. You might also see swelling around their lips, mouth, and tongue. In severe cases, the swelling can make it hard for the cat to swallow. Move trailing vines completely out of reach, and contact a veterinarian if the swelling is bad or if your cat has trouble swallowing.

Important Notes

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

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

Access risk: Trailing vines are easy for cats to reach when they hang over shelves, tables, or plant stands.

Action: Move the plant out of reach, offer water or gently rinse the mouth if safe, and contact a vet if swelling or swallowing trouble appears.

Potentially Toxic Parts

Entire Plant

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Swelling of the mouth and tongue, accompanied by difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Gastrointestinal · Immediate to shortly after exposure

Intense burning, irritation, and pain of the mouth, lips, and tongue

Gastrointestinal · Immediate

Excessive drooling or hypersalivation

Gastrointestinal · Immediate

Vomiting

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.