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Pothos / Devil’s Ivy
Epipremnum aureum or Epipremnum spp.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also called Devil's Ivy, is one of the most common trailing houseplants. It is not safe for cats, especially because its vines often hang from shelves or furniture where a curious cat can reach them. The main risk comes from insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, also called raphides. These tiny, needle-like crystals sit inside the leaves and stems. When a cat chews the plant, the crystals can scrape and irritate the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. This usually causes fast, painful local irritation rather than a deep body-wide poisoning. A cat that bites pothos may suddenly drool, paw at the mouth, vomit, or have swelling around the lips or tongue. More serious swelling can make swallowing or breathing difficult. Keep pothos vines well away from cats, and contact a veterinarian if symptoms are intense, do not settle, or involve trouble swallowing or breathing.
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.