Are Monsteras Toxic to Cats? What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Monstera are one of the most trending plants for indoor decoration. It enhances the look of your home, restaurant, or any other indoor place. However, a lot of concerns arise if you have cats at home.

In this article, we will discuss whether Monstera are toxic to cats. We will discuss how dangerous they are and what happens if a cat chews its leaves. We will also explain what you can do to save your cat and prevent it from happening.

Are Monsteras Toxic To Cats？

Yes, Monsteras could be toxic to cats as they contain insoluble crystals of calcium oxalate. The crystals are present throughout the plant, which can drastically damage the cat's mouth and throat. Chewing it may cause severe irritation and lead to poisoning.

The chemical poison will be mixed in their bloodstream, causing discomfort. However, the sharp crystals may badly injure the cat's tissues physically. These plants provide aesthetics to any household but may pose serious risks to the cat's health.

How Toxic Are Monsteras To Cats？

Monsteras are mild to moderately toxic for cats and other pets as well. However, they are not that toxic, so they do not lead to any fatal cases. Still, they can harm the cat's mouth and throat due to the sharp crystals present in its compound. Even a small bite may result in severe discomfort, and the discomfort may increase in proportion to the amount of leaf chewed by the cat.

It also affects the cat internally when the poison is mixed into the bloodstream. The poisoned blood will damage the organs, such as the liver. Eventually, Monstera doesn't cause longer damage to the cat, but the cat's mouth will be swollen, and the digestive system will be irritated after continuous chewing.

Symptoms Of Monstera Poisoning In Cats

There are various symptoms that you can easily identify if your cat has been poisoned or not. Let's see each of them to help in quick diagnosis.

• The cat will be scratching its mouth with its paws
• Rubbing the face or body against the wall or furniture
• Excessive saliva drops from their mouth
• Swelling and inflammation in the tongue, mouth, or gums
• The mouth might remain open due to severe pain
• The cat might leave eating or drinking
• Repeated lip licking and vomiting
• Showing isolation behavior by hiding
• Showing discomfort and not responding to any command
• You might notice a change in voice quality and pitch

How To Protect Cats From Eating Monsteras

There are many ways to protect cats from eating Monsteras, but you should stick to the most effective ones.

• Keep the Monsteras out of reach of the cats, such as in locked rooms
• You can place a hanging planter to keep them away from cats
• Use organic and safe deterrent sprays on planters
• Engage the cats in other activities, such as chewable toys, scratching items, as an alternative
• Ensure to skip the activities such as excessive watering, as it could attract the cats
• You can train the cat to stop it quickly when trying to reach the planters
• You can install indoor security cameras like the Reolink E1 Zoom to keep an eye on your cats with its auto-tracking feature and receive real-time alerts if it is near the plant.

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• In case of an emergency, take your cat to the nearest hospital immediately.
• When you find out the cat has eaten the plant, rinse its mouth quickly and try to pull out the chunks.

FAQs

1. What is the most toxic plant to a cat?

Lilies are among the most toxic plants for cats, which can lead to fatality. They may cause immediate kidney failure even if the cat chews a small chunk of the leaf.

2. Can I keep my Monstera if I have a cat?

Yes, you can keep Monstera, but with some safety measures in place. Not keeping an eye on or following the safety tips may lead to severe consequences.

3. Are mini Monsteras toxic to cats?

Yes, mini Monstera plants are also toxic to cats, as they contain calcium oxalate crystals. They can quickly harm the cats once they chew and swallow them. Eating these can cause severe problems, including severe irritation and swelling.

4. Are Swiss cheese Monsteras toxic to cats?

Yes, Swiss cheese Monsteras are also toxic to cats and may lead to internal injuries. The throat and mouth tissues may be damaged due to the harmful composition.

Conclusion

Monsteras are toxic to cats. They can lead to severe discomfort if chewed. If you have cats, it is better to avoid Monsteras for the cat's safety. And if you want to keep it, go with the hanging option or plant it in a closed room. If your cat ends up chewing Monsteras, take it to the emergency care immediately. Quick medical care can save your cat.