Are Monstera Plants Toxic To Cats?

Are…

monstera plants toxic to cats? Yes, Monstera plants are toxic to cats. Monsteras contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and more if ingested by your cat.

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If you’re a cat lover and owner this is probably something you have wondered if you own a monstera. Monstera plants are well-loved because of their gorgeous appearance and I mean can you blame them? With their glossy big leaves and easy to care for nature they are a popular house plant. However, if you’re a cat owner, it’s important to know the potential side effects of these plants on your furry little friends! Here we will discover whether monstera plants are toxic to cats, symptoms to look for, the impact of Monstera toxicity on cats, and how to keep your cat and plant happy and safe!

Potted Paradise Garden - Are Monstera Plants Toxic To Cats?

Why Are Monstera Plants Toxic to Cats and How Can You Identify Toxicity?

If your cat tries a bit of your tropical Monstera deliciosa it will start to get burning lips and mouth. Additionally, excessive drooling, oral swelling, and in most cases vomiting. This is due to the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the juices inside the plant that are highly toxic to your cat. Monstera is not considered lethal to humans or cats. All parts of your monstera are harmful if ingested except for the fruit produced. However, the fruit rarely grows on indoor monsteras.

Recognizing Symptoms of Monstera Toxicity in Cats

If your cat sits next to or comes into contact with your monstera it will be fine. However, the juices inside your monstera stems and leaves can cause the following to your furry friend

Skin irritation
Excessive drooling
Mouth and lips burning
Itchiness
Red or watery eyes
Oral irritation
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing

It only takes a little bite or lick to cause symptoms in your cat so try to keep it out of reach or in a room your cat is not allowed in.

How Much Monstera Does It Take to Harm Cats?

It only takes a small amount of your monstera to be ingested for side effects and irritations to develop. Even if not eaten, light biting can also trigger symptoms in your cats. Try to keep it out of reach or put your monstera into a separate room where your cat is not allowed.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Monstera Plant

If your cat has ingested some of your monstera plant rinse your cat’s mouth, offer water, and call your vet as soon as possible. Rinse your cat’s eyes, paws, or any other body part that has come in contact with the monstera’s juice. Additionally, you want to encourage your cat to drink lots of water. This will help flush out some of the calcium crystals it has ingested. You should call your vet or animal poison control at (1-888-426-4436) keep in mind that by calling animal control you can be charged for this consultation.

Are Monstera and other varieties toxic to cats?

You might be wondering are Monsteras safe for pets? The calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to your kitty are present wherever the monstera sap is. This means that it’s in most parts of your plant. This includes the stems, leaves, roots, and even any unripe fruit however this fruit generally does not grow in indoor monstera plants. All parts of this plant and all monstera varieties are toxic to your cat which is why you want to do your best to keep your plant out of reach for your cat.

How to keep Monstera plants out of reach of cats

There are a few things you can do to help your cat stay away from your monstera. These will help keep the peace in your house!

Hide it behind prickly cacti.
Citrus peels around your monstera repel cats.
Spray vinegar around your plant, vinegar is a feline-repellant
Hang your monstera in a hanging basket, cats are climbers, not hangers!
Squirt your cat with water whenever near your monstera.
Red pepper or mustard repels cats. Mix a few tablespoons into water and spray this around your plant.
Cats hate the smell of rosemary so keep some around your monstera.
A herbal spray can also help keep cats away, spray some around your plant but be careful not to spray your plant with it.

Safe Alternatives to Monstera Plants for Homes with Cats

There are alternative options to keep your cat away from your monstera. These are cat-friendly houseplants so you don’t have to stress about every plant in your home!

Boston fern
Christmas cactus
Cast iron plant
Majesty palm
Money tree
Nerve plant
Parlor palm
Peperomia
Polka dot plant
Ponytail palm
Prayer plant
Rattlesnake plant
Spider plants

One option is to bring some of these cat-friendly plant options into your home so your cat will have some plants to get to so it will leave your monstera alone.

Are Monstera Plants Toxic To Cats?

Keeping your cat safe from your monstera is a priority and understanding why a monstera is toxic to your cat will help find solutions. Monsteras add such a tropical vibe to your living space so keeping both your cat and monstera will need effort and precautions. Additionally having both in your home can bring up challenges however with some pet repellent hacks and Monstera plant safety for cats both are bound to live in harmony! Remember to call your vet for help right away if you notice your cat has ingested some of your monstera.