Plants · Epipremnum aureum
Is Pothos Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Cats
Mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting (ASPCA).
Dogs
Mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting (ASPCA).
Yes, pothos is toxic to cats and dogs, but usually mildly. It contains insoluble calcium oxalates that cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing (ASPCA). Rinse your pet's mouth gently and call your vet if signs are severe or don't settle.
Written by VetExpenses Editorial TeamFact-checked against cited sources · Veterinary review pendingLast reviewed
Educational information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or ate something worrying, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line now. Emergency steps.
Pothos: plant facts
| Scientific name | Epipremnum aureum |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Other names | Golden pothos, Devil's ivy, Taro vine, Ivy arum |
| Toxic parts | Leaves and stems |
| Toxic principle | Insoluble calcium oxalates |
| Where you'll find it | indoor |
Severity scale: “usually mild” means the ASPCA lists only mouth, stomach or skin irritation; “highly toxic” means it lists organ failure, heart effects, seizures or death.
Signs to watch for
Cats
- Oral irritation
- intense burning and irritation of mouth
- tongue and lips
- excessive drooling
- vomiting
- difficulty swallowing
Dogs
- Oral irritation
- intense burning and irritation of mouth
- tongue and lips
- excessive drooling
- vomiting
- difficulty swallowing
My pet ate pothos. What do I do?
- Take any remaining plant away from your pet and note which plant (photo or label) and how much was chewed.
- Call your veterinarian or a pet poison line: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply.
- Don't make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison control tells you to.
What it could cost
If your pet needs care after eating pothos
We publish a price range only after it is checked against named sources — our poisoning treatment and vet visit guide is in verification. A vet bill for this kind of visit is usually built from these line items:
- Exam or emergency consultation fee
- Tests: bloodwork, urine tests or imaging
- Treatment, such as decontamination or medication
- Hospital stay and monitoring, if needed
- Follow-up visits and recheck tests
Pet-safe alternatives
Related plants
Frequently asked questions
Can pothos kill a cat?
The ASPCA lists signs of oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Call your vet if your pet has trouble breathing or swallowing, or keeps vomiting.
Sources
- Golden Pothos — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Accessed November 8, 2026.
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