Pothos plants are commonly kept in households because they are bright and green, which helps bring life to the home. They also help purify the air, which is healthy for anyone living there. These plants happen to be easy to take care of, and they grow slowly, so they rarely need to be replanted in newer, bigger pots. However, these plants are not suitable for all households. Unfortunately, Pothos plants are dangerous for cats to be around. If you have even one pet cat living in your household, it is important to make sure that no Pothos plants are present. Let’s discuss exactly what a Pothos plant is and why it is toxic to cats.
What Exactly Is a Pothos Plant? The Pothos plant’s technical name is Epipremnum aureum. It is a common houseplant mostly due to its resistance to drought and ability to withstand harsh environments. What is unique about this plant is that it can grow without the help of any natural sunlight. You can keep this plant in the middle of a room or even in a garage where no sunlight can reach it. The leaves on a Pothos plant are smooth and have a waxy coating that can give them a faux look. The thick and hardy leaves are hard-pressed to succumb to the elements, so they typically stay full and green. It is not common to see leaves turn brown or fall off the plant. There are different types of Pothos plants available, including the Jade and the Golden. They all have green leaves with small variations. Image By: Sandeep Handa, Pixabay Why Are Pothos Plants Toxic to Cats? Unfortunately, Pothos plants are toxins for cats of all shapes, sizes, ages, and breeds. Both the stems and leaves contain a chemical that is toxic to cats: calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is known to affect a cat’s soft tissues in a way that makes it tough for them to effectively digest food. This type of plant is not toxic to a cat’s organs, but the chemical calcium oxalate crystals that it contains can cause mouth sensitivities that may affect the appetite and nutritional intake of your pet cat. Calcium oxalate can also cause breathing problems and overall fatigue. If the problem is not addressed by a qualified veterinarian, the chances are that a cat that has been exposed to the toxins of a Pothos plant could die. Signs and Symptoms of Pothos Plant Toxin Exposure If you see your cat eating a Pathos plant, they may suffer from toxic side effects, so it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian immediately. Sometimes, we do not see our cats eat our plants, and we have to rely on signs and symptoms of toxicity to ensure that we address the problem before it’s too late. The signs and symptoms of Pothos plant toxicity include:
Mouth irritation
Mouth pawing
Lack of appetite
Lack of interest in drinking water
Excessive drooling
Whining or crying while eating, drinking, and swallowing
If any of these symptoms present themselves, it is crucial to schedule a checkup with the veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet may request that you bring your cat in for treatment right away or seek emergency services. Alternatively, they might offer home remedies that you can use until their offices open again. Image Credit: one photo, Shutterstock Related Read:
How To Keep Cats Out of Indoor Plants (6 Proven Methods) Are Begonias Poisonous to Cats? What You Need To Know! My Cat Ate Paint, What Should I Do?
In Conclusion Pothos plants should never be in a home with pet cats. If they must be present, they should be kept out of reach via hanging pots and other means. Keeping an eye out for signs and symptoms of Pathos plant poisoning should always be a priority. Luckily, there are many other types of plants that are safe for cats that you can fill your home with. Most are easy to care for and will filter the air just like the Pothos plant will. Looking for more information on plant toxicity? Check out:
Are Roses Toxic to Cats? Are Tulips Toxic to Cats?
Featured Image Credit: Luisella Planeta Leoni, Pixabay
Pothos plants are commonly kept in households because they are bright and green, which helps bring life to the home. They also help purify the air, which is healthy for anyone living there. These plants happen to be easy to take care of, and they grow slowly, so they rarely need to be replanted in newer, bigger pots. However, these plants are not suitable for all households.
Unfortunately, Pothos plants are dangerous for cats to be around. If you have even one pet cat living in your household, it is important to make sure that no Pothos plants are present. Let’s discuss exactly what a Pothos plant is and why it is toxic to cats.
What Exactly Is a Pothos Plant?
The Pothos plant’s technical name is Epipremnum aureum. It is a common houseplant mostly due to its resistance to drought and ability to withstand harsh environments. What is unique about this plant is that it can grow without the help of any natural sunlight. You can keep this plant in the middle of a room or even in a garage where no sunlight can reach it.
The leaves on a Pothos plant are smooth and have a waxy coating that can give them a faux look. The thick and hardy leaves are hard-pressed to succumb to the elements, so they typically stay full and green. It is not common to see leaves turn brown or fall off the plant. There are different types of Pothos plants available, including the Jade and the Golden. They all have green leaves with small variations.
Why Are Pothos Plants Toxic to Cats?
Unfortunately, Pothos plants are toxins for cats of all shapes, sizes, ages, and breeds. Both the stems and leaves contain a chemical that is toxic to cats: calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is known to affect a cat’s soft tissues in a way that makes it tough for them to effectively digest food.
This type of plant is not toxic to a cat’s organs, but the chemical calcium oxalate crystals that it contains can cause mouth sensitivities that may affect the appetite and nutritional intake of your pet cat. Calcium oxalate can also cause breathing problems and overall fatigue. If the problem is not addressed by a qualified veterinarian, the chances are that a cat that has been exposed to the toxins of a Pothos plant could die.
Signs and Symptoms of Pothos Plant Toxin Exposure
If you see your cat eating a Pathos plant, they may suffer from toxic side effects, so it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian immediately. Sometimes, we do not see our cats eat our plants, and we have to rely on signs and symptoms of toxicity to ensure that we address the problem before it’s too late.
The signs and symptoms of Pothos plant toxicity include:
Mouth irritation
Mouth pawing
Lack of appetite
Lack of interest in drinking water
Excessive drooling
Whining or crying while eating, drinking, and swallowing
If any of these symptoms present themselves, it is crucial to schedule a checkup with the veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet may request that you bring your cat in for treatment right away or seek emergency services. Alternatively, they might offer home remedies that you can use until their offices open again.
Mouth irritation
Mouth pawing
Lack of appetite
Lack of interest in drinking water
Excessive drooling
Whining or crying while eating, drinking, and swallowing
- Mouth irritation
- Mouth pawing
- Lack of appetite
- Lack of interest in drinking water
- Excessive drooling
- Whining or crying while eating, drinking, and swallowing
Related Read:
- How To Keep Cats Out of Indoor Plants (6 Proven Methods)
- Are Begonias Poisonous to Cats? What You Need To Know!
- My Cat Ate Paint, What Should I Do?
In Conclusion
Pothos plants should never be in a home with pet cats. If they must be present, they should be kept out of reach via hanging pots and other means. Keeping an eye out for signs and symptoms of Pathos plant poisoning should always be a priority. Luckily, there are many other types of plants that are safe for cats that you can fill your home with. Most are easy to care for and will filter the air just like the Pothos plant will.
Looking for more information on plant toxicity? Check out:
- Are Roses Toxic to Cats?
- Are Tulips Toxic to Cats?
Featured Image Credit: Luisella Planeta Leoni, Pixabay
