Is pothos toxic to dogs or cats?
Also known as: Devil's ivy, golden pothos
Insoluble crystals burn the mouth: dramatic drooling, rarely dangerous.
Same painful mouth irritation for cats.
Pothos, one of the most popular houseplants anywhere, contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that stab into the mouth on the first chew. The result is dramatic (drooling, crying, pawing at the face) but usually self-limiting because the pain stops further eating. Call your vet if swelling affects breathing or signs persist.
Signs to watch for
- Intense mouth irritation
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
Sources: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list, Pet Poison Helpline. Verdicts are conservative by design: where evidence is thin we choose the stricter rating.
This is general educational information, not veterinary advice. When in doubt about your own pet, ask your veterinarian.
If your pet just ate something risky, act now: call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (consultation fees may apply).