Is Monstera Toxic to Dogs and Cats?
Monstera, the Swiss cheese plant, is on the ASPCA's list as toxic to dogs and cats. The effect usually stays in the mouth, and the ASPCA rates the severity as low.
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Yes, monstera is toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists the Swiss cheese plant as “Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats,” and the reason is the same one behind pothos and peace lily: needle-like crystals that irritate the mouth. It is usually a painful but mild problem, and the ASPCA says long-term effects are not expected.
What happens if a dog chews monstera
The ASPCA entry for the Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa, family Araceae) lists “Insoluble calcium oxalates” under Toxic Principles. Its Clinical Signs read: “Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.” The ASPCA also lists it as cutleaf philodendron, hurricane plant, ceriman and Mexican breadfruit, so check a label under any of those names.
The ASPCA’s houseplant article groups “Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera spp.)” with pothos and peace lily. It explains that these plants carry “very small, needle-like crystals called raphides,” and that “the severity is low.” Merck also lists Monstera among the insoluble-oxalate plants.
What happens if a cat chews monstera
The ASPCA lists cats with exactly the same signs. For cat owners, the useful point is what monstera doesn’t do: Merck says “unlike plants containing soluble oxalates, insoluble oxalates do not pose a concern for renal injury.” That separates it from the true lilies and daylilies that can cause kidney failure in cats (lilies and cats).
The rare serious case applies to both species. The ASPCA notes that “rarely, with large exposures there can be significant stomach pain or swelling in the back of the throat, leading to breathing difficulty.” Short of that, call back if the drooling or vomiting doesn’t ease.
Signs to watch for
- Excessive drooling
- Burning or irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Any trouble breathing, which means going to a clinic now
What to do
- Take the leaf away and note roughly how much was chewed.
- Call first: your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply).
- Ask about the dairy step. The ASPCA describes “offering a small amount of dairy products such as milk, yogurt or vanilla ice cream,” with a caution to “check to ensure these products don’t contain xylitol.” For dogs, xylitol is its own poison (xylitol).
- Trouble swallowing or breathing? The ASPCA says to go “directly to a veterinary hospital.” Bring a photo of the plant.
Merck’s summary: “Most cases of exposure to insoluble oxalate-containing plants have a good to excellent prognosis.” The pet poison emergency card keeps the numbers on the fridge.
Safer plants to keep instead
Swapping monstera for pothos or a peace lily changes nothing, since all three carry the same crystals. The ASPCA lists the spider plant as non-toxic to dogs and cats. If the monstera stays, give it a spot your pets can’t reach (for a cat, that may mean a room with a closed door), and use the puppy-proofing checklist to catch any leaves hanging at chewing height.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Swiss cheese plant the same as monstera?
- Yes. The ASPCA's Swiss Cheese Plant entry is Monstera deliciosa, and it also lists Cutleaf Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Ceriman and Mexican Breadfruit as other names. The ASPCA's separate Cutleaf Philodendron entry reads the same.
- Can monstera kill a dog or cat?
- It's unlikely. The ASPCA says the severity of these insoluble-oxalate plants is low and long-term effects are not expected, and Merck says most exposures have a good to excellent prognosis. The rare exception the ASPCA describes is a large exposure that causes significant stomach pain or swelling at the back of the throat, leading to breathing difficulty, which is an emergency.
- Does monstera damage a cat's kidneys like lilies do?
- No. Merck says insoluble oxalates do not pose a concern for kidney injury, unlike plants with soluble oxalates. Kidney failure in cats is the risk with true lilies and daylilies.
- Should I give my pet milk after it chews monstera?
- Call your vet or a poison line first. The ASPCA describes offering a small amount of dairy, such as milk, yogurt or vanilla ice cream, as a home step, and says to check that the product doesn't contain xylitol. Skip it and go straight to a clinic if your pet is struggling to swallow or breathe.
Educational content only — not veterinary or professional behavior advice. Consult your vet, or a certified trainer or behaviorist, for your pet. Read the full disclaimer →