Is Monstera Toxic to Cats? [How to Save Pets]

Monstera is reigning in many households flaunting its exotic evergreen foliage, but it doesn’t go along with cats, for it is toxic. 

This alluring beauty hides its poisonous dark nature right under your nose.

Don’t worry, even if your cat eats any part of the Monstera plant, or perhaps any of your pets eats them, as it can be treated quickly.

Is Monstera Safe for Cats?

The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has listed different plant species, including Monstera adansonii, and Monstera oblique that is toxic to cats. 

Monstera plants are moderately toxic to cats, but the level of poisonous effect elevates with the amount your pet nibbles on.

Generally, ingestion of Monstera in smaller amounts isn’t fatal, but it will make your cat suffer, leaving a terrible experience.

These needle-like raphides may not be a ‘toxin’ but rather an irritant with discomfort and a source of pain to your pets.

What Happens if a Cat Eats a Monstera?

Your cats are more likely to stop eating the plant as soon as the bitter taste and burning sensations on their tongue kick-off.

Depending on consumption, these symptoms will develop within a few minutes or after 2-3 hours. 

Additionally, swollen tongue and throat create difficulty eating and obstruct the air passages from the throat to the lungs. 

However, Monstera with toxins cannot trouble cats with major issues, including kidney and other organ failures. 

If your dogs eat the Monstera plant, the symptoms resemble that of a poisoned cat. 

But remember other common cat problems: food poisoning or parasitic infection also exhibits similar symptoms.

So, narrow down the main culprit before making a Monstera poisoning as a final verdict.

Treating Monstera Poisoning in Cats

The symptoms of Monstera poisoning subside within two days, but you shall not wait if your cat’s health deteriorates.

Help your cat with basic first aid to ease the pain or, in most cases, treat them completely.

• Remove any fragments of  Monstera from your pet’s mouth.
• Wrap your cat with a towel to keep them from struggling.
• Move your cat to a well-ventilated area for easier breathing.
• Allow the cat to rinse its mouth with cold water or milk to wash away the raphides (Milk or yogurt is rich in calcium, which helps with a burning sensation).
• You may give some activated charcoal to your pet so that the toxins get absorbed and fail to get into the bloodstream.
• Let the pet drink some normal water to avoid dehydration.

Ultimately, consult pet health practitioners and let them analyze the situation to avoid any potential health hazards.

You may contact the hotlines below for 24/7 vet guidance.

• Pet Poison Helpline:  855-764-7661
• Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA) : 888-426-4435

Note: Do not administer any medicines to your pet if you do not have expertise.

Recovery of Monstera Plant Poisoning in Cats

The sooner you get help from the vet for your poisoned cat, the better your cat’s chances of recovering.

Moreover, the amount of Monstera leaves consumed by the cat also determines the recovery time.

High consumption of Monstera can be fatal, and its lethality depends on how timely treatment is provided.

However, your cat might take a few more days to return to its active self. 

Stay calm, feed them with a simple regular diet as per the veterinarian, and provide them with enough liquid until their full recovery.

To recover well, you must ensure a peaceful environment for the cat, preferably a cozy cage. 

How to Prevent Monstera Poisoning in Cats?

Luckily, your cats will most likely stop eating the plant as soon as the bitter taste, and burning sensations on their tongue kick off.

But, you’re up for a challenging task to balance both plantsmen and pet lifestyles in your home.

So, here are some proven tips to prevent your cat from accidental ingestion.

• Keep the plant out of reach: Place the plants on high planter shelves or hanging pots to avoid their reach.
• Use cat deterrent: Cat hates some scents due to their heightened sense of smell. Get commercial deterrent sprays or neem oil, or make your own solution of citrus peel and vinegar.
• Add barriers: Fence around your plant with some thorny plants so your cat does not get to the plant.
• Grow Cat Grass: Provide your cat with chewable alternatives like cat grass to fulfill its craving.
• Gift them a Plant: Divert their attention by planting wheat or barley in a tiny planter.
• Provide distractions: Tie a rope or ribbon on a corner away from plants that distract the cat and keep them occupied.