Is monstera toxic to cats?

Yes. The ASPCA lists Monstera deliciosa under "split-leaf philodendron" as toxic to cats due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

Is monstera safe for cats?

No. Social media often shows cats near monsteras without incident, but absence of symptoms is not proof of safety. The ASPCA classification is toxic.

Why is monstera called split-leaf philodendron on ASPCA?

ASPCA uses a common trade name for the listing. Botanically the plant is Monstera deliciosa, not Philodendron — but the toxicity profile matches other Araceae plants.

What big leaf plant is safe for cats?

Calathea offers large patterned foliage and is non-toxic. Boston fern provides lush volume at floor level without oxalates.

Library/Araceae/Monstera/Deliciosa

Last reviewed · 28 May 2026

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

The verdict

Toxic — fenestrated but not friendly

Split leaves full of calcium oxalate crystals. The ASPCA lists Monstera deliciosa as toxic to cats — same painful oral reaction as pothos and philodendron.

Botanical plate — Monstera deliciosa with split fenestrated leaves

⚠ Toxic to cats

15 cm

Plate IMonstera deliciosa — Swiss cheese plant. ASPCA entry title uses "split-leaf philodendron" though the genus is Monstera.

§ I · Safe lookalikes

Three plants that look the part, without the risk.

Big tropical presence without oxalates — floor and shelf plants that fill the same room safely.

◦ Cat safe

Calathea

Calathea orbifolia

Dramatic patterned leaves for the same bright-indirect corner. No fenestrations, no toxins.

From £20

Buy on Amazon →

◦ Cat safe

Parlor Palm

Chamaedorea elegans

Vertical tropical volume in a floor planter. Feathery fronds without monstera raphides.

From £24

Buy on Amazon →

◦ Cat safe

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Lush green mass at floor level. Safe for cats that brush against fronds.

From £22

Buy on Amazon →

At a glance

Toxicity

Moderatecalcium oxalates

ASPCA name

Split-leafphilodendron

Onset

Minutesoral burning

Size

Large leavesfloor-level risk

Also avoid

Monstera spp.unless verified safe

What it does to a cat.

Yes — monstera is toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Monstera deliciosa under the common name "split-leaf philodendron" as toxic. Leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral pain, drooling, and vomiting — the same arum-family pattern as philodendron and pothos.

Monstera's popularity in interior photography outpaces safety awareness. Large plants dominate living rooms at cat height. A single chewed fenestration is enough to trigger symptoms.

Name confusion

Monstera is not a philodendron botanically, but ASPCA groups it under a legacy common name. When searching toxicity databases, look for both "monstera" and "split-leaf philodendron."

Safer statement plants

Calathea gives bold tropical pattern without toxins. Boston fern fills floor space with arching green. Spider plant on a stand keeps leaves above curious paws.

“The holes in the leaf are decorative. The crystals in the leaf are not.”

§ II · Observed effects

What we have actually seen.

Obs. 01

Oral pain & drooling

Chewing fenestrated leaves releases raphides into mouth tissue. Immediate distress is typical.

◦ Near universal

Obs. 02

Vomiting

Follows oral irritation. Large leaf pieces may appear in vomit.

◦ Common

Obs. 03

Swelling

Tongue or lip swelling is uncommon but requires emergency care if breathing is affected.

◦ Rare · emergency

Obs. 04

Floor-level exposure

Large monsteras sit where cats walk and rub. Even without chewing, sap on fur from damaged leaves can matter — keep plants intact.

◦ Occasional

§ V · Sources & references

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Split-Leaf Philodendron (Monstera).Accessed May 2026 · aspca.org

cat safe plants · Pl. XX

— if in doubt, look it up —

May 2026