Are Monsteras Toxic to Pets? What Cat & Dog Owners Should Know

That is a crucial question for any pet owner! The short answer is yes, Monsteras are toxic to cats and dogs and can cause painful symptoms if ingested.¹

Here is what every cat and dog owner should know about Monsteras and pet safety.

⚠️ Monstera Toxicity Explained

Monsteras (like many common houseplants in the Araceae family, such as Philodendrons, Pothos, and Peace Lilies) contain a harmful substance called calcium oxalate crystals.²

The Problem: Needle-Sharp Crystals

• When a pet chews or bites a Monstera leaf, stem, or root, it releases thousands of microscopic, needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals.

• These crystals immediately penetrate the sensitive tissues of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract.³

  
  

🛑 Symptoms of Ingestion

While Monsteras are not typically deadly, they can cause significant and immediate distress. Symptoms are usually seen quickly after chewing the plant:

Pet Affected	Symptom	Severity
Cats & Dogs	Oral Pain/Burning: Immediate pain in the mouth and throat.	Severe discomfort
Cats & Dogs	Excessive Drooling: Due to the pain and irritation.	Moderate
Cats & Dogs	Swelling: Swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat (rarely severe enough to block breathing).	Moderate
Cats & Dogs	Vomiting/Difficulty Swallowing: If enough material is swallowed.	Moderate
Cats (especially)	Paw-at-Mouth: Repeatedly pawing at their mouth in distress.	High distress

If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a Monstera, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

🏡 Pet-Proofing Your Monstera

Because Monstera are so popular, here are the best ways to keep your plant and your furry friends safe:

1. Location, Location, Location (The "Out of Reach" Strategy)

• Elevated Surfaces: Place your Monstera on a high, sturdy plant stand, shelf, or mantle that your pet cannot access, even with a jump.

• Hanging Baskets: For smaller Monsteras, hanging them from the ceiling or a wall bracket is the most effective way to keep them completely out of reach of both cats and dogs.

• "No-Go" Rooms: Keep the plant in a room (like a home office or laundry room) that you can close off when you aren't supervising your pet.

2. Physical Barriers and Deterrents

• Pebble Top Layer: If your cat is digging in the soil, cover the soil surface with a layer of large, decorative stones or pebbles that they cannot move.

• Training Sprays: Apply a pet-safe bitter spray (like Bitter Apple) to the leaves. The unpleasant taste will discourage your pet from chewing the plant. Reapply regularly, especially after cleaning the leaves.

• Aluminum Foil: Cats hate the sound and texture of aluminum foil.⁴ Laying sheets of foil in the pot or around the base of the plant may deter them from approaching.

  
  

3. Offer Alternatives

• Provide your pet with safe alternatives that they are allowed to chew on, such as toys, dental chews, or pet-safe cat grass (oat, wheat, or barley grass). This can redirect their attention away from your houseplants.