Philodendron

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Swelling of the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and upper airway with difficulty breathing Rapidly following ingestion · While Philodendron ingestion is rarely fatal, a severe inflammatory response to the crystals can cause the tissues in the throat to swell significantly.
2. 2
   Immediate oral pain, intense burning sensation, erythema Immediate · This is caused by the mechanical action of chewing the plant, which ruptures specialized cells and forcefully ejects needle-like insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) into the cat's tissues. The immediate and intense pain often limits the amount of the plant the cat is willing to consume.
3. 3
   Excessive drooling (hypersalivation) Immediate · This is a direct physiological response to the sharp calcium oxalate crystals piercing and irritating the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
4. 4
   Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and loss of appetite (anorexia) Shortly after ingestion. · The reluctance to eat and difficulty swallowing are primarily secondary to the extreme discomfort, pain, and swelling in the gastrointestinal tract rather than systemic nausea.

Important notes

Philodendron (Philodendron spp.), including popular varieties like 'Birkin' and heartleaf philodendron, are common houseplants that are toxic to cats. The leaves and stems contain tiny, needle-like structures called insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation. When a cat bites the plant, these sharp crystals shoot into the mouth and throat tissues. This causes immediate, intense pain and burning. A cat may drool heavily, paw at its mouth, vomit, or have trouble swallowing. In severe cases, the swelling in the mouth and throat can make it hard for the cat to breathe. Because all varieties of philodendron are equally dangerous, it is best to keep them out of your cat's reach. If your cat eats this plant and shows signs of throat swelling or breathing issues, contact a veterinarian immediately.

• Toxic compounds: insoluble calcium oxalate raphides (needle-like crystals)
• Mechanism: raphides mechanically penetrate the oral and GI mucosa, causing immediate pain and inflammation
• Symptoms: sudden oral pain, intense drooling, pawing at mouth, swollen lips and tongue, difficulty swallowing, vomiting
• All species and hybrids are equally hazardous — variegated varieties are no safer than plain green types
• Rinse the mouth with water; seek veterinary care if throat swelling impairs breathing