Is Monstera safe for Cats?
✓ Sources checked by the Eaoae Safety Review · 2026-10-28 · Based on 3 sources
No, Monstera plants are not safe for cats. If your cat chews on the leaves or stems, it can cause significant oral irritation and digestive upset. You should keep this plant out of reach or remove it from your home to prevent accidental ingestion.
🚨 Emergency: Yes — contact your veterinarian immediately.
💡 Why
Monstera deliciosa contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are physically sharp and irritate the mouth and throat. Ingestion leads to immediate pain, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. While rarely fatal, the reaction is unpleasant and requires monitoring.
🩺 What to do
- Rinse your cat's mouth with water if you catch them chewing it.
- Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.
- Call your vet or an animal poison control center for specific advice.
❓ Common questions
Will my cat die if it eats Monstera?
It is highly unlikely to be fatal, but it will cause severe discomfort and swelling in the mouth and throat.
How long do symptoms last?
Oral irritation usually subsides within a few hours, but monitor for vomiting or difficulty breathing for 24 hours.
Are all Monstera varieties toxic?
Yes, all varieties of the Monstera genus contain calcium oxalates and are considered toxic to cats.
📚 Sources
- ASPCA: Swiss Cheese Plant / Monstera deliciosa (Toxic Plant Database)
- ASPCA: Houseplants That Cause Trouble for Pets (Monstera spp.)
- Hurricane Plant Are Toxic To Pets
- Pet Safe Plants to Grow Indoors this Fall & Winter
🔎 How the sources compare
What each authority says about monstera \u2014 compiled 2026-10-28. Eaoae’s verdict summarizes these sources; it is not our own diagnosis.
| Source | Dogs | Cats | Dose info |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCA Animal Poison Control | Toxic to dogs — listed under Ceriman (Monstera deliciosa); toxic principles are insoluble calcium oxalates; clinical signs include oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing | Toxic to cats — listed under Ceriman (Monstera deliciosa); toxic principles are insoluble calcium oxalates; clinical signs include oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing | — |
| Pet Poison Helpline | Toxic — the page covers the Hurricane Plant (alternate names include Monstera, Swiss cheese plant and Ceriman); like other Araceae it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, and chewing causes tissue penetration and irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, very rarely upper airway swelling; signs include drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral pain, decreased appetite and vomiting | Toxic — the page covers the Hurricane Plant (alternate names include Monstera, Swiss cheese plant and Ceriman); like other Araceae it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, and chewing causes tissue penetration and irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, very rarely upper airway swelling; signs include drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral pain, decreased appetite and vomiting | — |
| Merck Veterinary Manual | Not covered | Not covered | — |
| VCA Hospitals | Not covered | Not covered | — |
| Eaoae summary (cats) | ⛔ Unsafe \u2014 Known to be harmful or toxic. Keep it away from your pet. | ||
🔗 Related checks for cats
- Eggs ⚠️ Caution
- lilies ⛔ Unsafe
- Cucumber Slices ✅ Safe
- Aloe vera ⛔ Unsafe
- Azalea / Rhododendron ⛔ Unsafe
- Kalanchoe ⛔ Unsafe
Checked with Eaoae’s safety lookup. Answers are generated for reference and may be incomplete — always confirm with your vet for your individual pet. Spotted an error? Let us know.
