Is pothos toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Pothos, also called golden pothos or devil's ivy, is considered toxic to cats and dogs. It commonly causes mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing.
Why pothos causes problems
Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalates. When chewed, these needle-like crystals can irritate the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat.
Symptoms to watch for
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Oral pain or swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
What to do now
- Remove plant pieces from your pet's reach.
- Rinse the mouth gently with water if your pet allows it safely.
- Call your veterinarian if symptoms appear, if a large amount was eaten, or if swallowing or breathing seems affected.
Safer trailing alternatives
Spider plant, Swedish ivy, peperomia, and some pet-safe ferns can give a similar indoor plant feel with less toxicity concern.
Sources and safety notes
This page is a plain-language guide, not veterinary care. Plant names and toxicity listings should be checked against reputable veterinary poison-control sources.
Search before you bring plants home
Common plant names can be confusing. When possible, compare the botanical name on the plant label with the PawPlants guide and a veterinary poison-control source.