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Monstera Deliciosa & Cats: Are They Toxic for Felines?

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Monstera Deliciosas are popular houseplants thanks to their big, bright green leaves that grow year-round. They are also quite easy to take care of, making them great for beginners and people who want plants but don’t have time for the finicky ones.

As with any houseplant, if you have pets it’s important to know whether or not they are safe for your pets.

And if you do have any houseplants that are poisonous to cats, it’s good to know how to handle any emergency situations in the event that poisoning does occur.

Here’s a helpful guide on how to keep the peace between your Monstera Deliciosa and your cats.

Your Monstera Plant And Cats At Home

Cats are naturally curious, and they may be inquisitive when you first bring your new plant home. There are also some cats who enjoy a chomp on a fresh plant every now and then.

I know mine does.

This could be because they are bored, or the plant attracts their attention. Or perhaps because they’re using the plant’s fibre to help them throw up hairballs. Whatever their reason, you don’t want them eating plants that are toxic.

So, make sure you’re clued up on how to keep your cat safe from your Monstera – and vice versa. After that, you can find the perfect spot in your home for your newest member of the green family.

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Are Monstera Deliciosa poisonous to cats?

Monstera are one of those common houseplants toxic to cats, but only if the plant is ingested. So, your kitty can safely play with the leaves, brush up against the plant, and even knock it over (although hopefully, they don’t choose this option).

If your cat starts to chew, bite, and swallow the plant – they’re not going to have the best time. These plants will cause a stinging sensation in the mouth, which can lead to swelling and blockage of the breathing tubes if too much is swallowed.

Before we explain the Monstera Deliciosa toxicity, and how to keep your cats safe, here are some other names you might see being used for this plant:

●      Ceriman

●      Swiss Cheese Plant

●      Mexican Breadfruit

●      Delicious Monster

●      Split-leaf philodendron (although it’s not a philodendron at all)

Causes Of Monstera Plant Poisoning In Cats

The reason that Delicious Monsters cause a horrid reaction to cats, dogs, and even humans, is because they contain insoluble calcium oxalate, much like the Fiddle Leaf Fig. These are needle-like crystals that are found in leaves and stems, and sometimes fruit on a plant as well.

How To Diagnose Monstera Plant Poisoning In Cats

Cats will only be poisoned by a Monstera Deliciosa if they chew the plant. The quickest way to diagnose whether this is the case is to check the plant.

If your cat is showing signs of Monstera poisoning, and there are chunks bitten out of your houseplant, then it’s likely that they need to be treated.

Symptoms Of Monstera Plant Poisoning In Cats

Also called Swiss Cheese poisoning, symptoms should start appearing almost immediately. Unless your cat is ignorant of the burning and itching in their mouth, they’ll be very unhappy as soon as they bite down.

If your cat has eaten or bitten off pieces of your Swiss Cheese plant, it may have the following symptoms:

●      Burning of the lips and mouth

●      Pawing at the mouth (from the pain)

●      Excessive drooling

●      Oral swelling

●      Vomiting

●      Decreased appetite

What Happens If My Cat Eats Part Of A Toxic Plant?

Even if you decide not to keep any poisonous houseplants for cats, your cat may find them outside and eat them. Don’t panic, the reactions are rarely life-threatening.

The most important thing to do if you suspect that your cat has plant poisoning is to take a photo of the plant. This will help your vet identify the symptoms and administer any treatment that is needed.

Treatment Of Monstera Plant Poisoning In Cats

As a first aid response, you could give your cat something to calm the burning sensation in their mouth. Milk is a good choice in these situations since it tastes nice and the crystals bind to the calcium.

Then, stay with your cat and monitor their breathing and contact your vet or poison control for pets. Trouble breathing is rare in Monstera poisoning, but if it looks like they are battling, take them to the vet immediately.

There is no exact treatment for this poison, you have to treat the symptoms until they are better. A fatal reaction is extremely rare and would take a large amount of ingested Monstera.

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How to Make Monstera Pet Safe

Your Monstera will only pose a threat to your cat, dog, or any other pet if they try to eat it. It’s safe to keep your Monstera in the same room your cat will be in, and you shouldn’t stress if your kitten playfully swats the monstrous leaves.

It’s important to discourage any biting of the leaves. The best way to make sure your Split-Leaf Philodendron doesn’t cause any harm to your pet is to keep it out of their reach. Put it on a high shelf, or in a room that your cat doesn’t play in unsupervised.

If you have older cats, who aren’t bothered with chewing on your plants, then you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Your Experiences With Cats And Monstera Plants?

Do you have both a Monstera and a feline friend at home? Did you know that they are toxic to cats? How do you keep them safe while still enjoying the luscious leafy plants?

I love hearing from other plant and cat mammas about how you keep the peace in your households. Let me know in the comments below, or reach out to me on my socials!

Final Thoughts: Are Monstera Deliciosa Poisonous?

Even though the Delicious Monster is one of the numerous indoor plants, toxic to cats, responsible owners can still have them and keep their cats safe.

There are many common houseplants dangerous to cats, and often the owners aren’t aware of things. The best thing to do if you have a plant-eating cat at home is to check each plant before you bring them home.

Try to choose indoor plants safe for cats if you’re unable to keep them away from your green friends. Or simply make sure you know what to do if your cat ingests a toxic plant.


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