Yes. The ASPCA lists pothos (Epipremnum aureum) as toxic to both cats and dogs in its Golden Pothos and Devils Ivy entries, and names insoluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle. If your pet chewed or swallowed any, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

For growing it, see the pothos care guide.

What happens if a cat or dog eats pothos

The ASPCA's Golden Pothos entry lists these clinical signs for cats and dogs: "Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing." Its Devils Ivy entry, for the same species, words them a little differently: "Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing." That entry also lists pothos as toxic to horses.

NC State Extension's Plant Toolbox page for Epipremnum aureum lists the flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds and stems under "Poison Part," gives the toxic principle as calcium oxalate crystals, rates the poison severity as "Medium" and lists the plant as a cause of contact dermatitis.

What to do if your pet ate some

Call your veterinarian, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The ASPCA's instruction is: "If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435." The same page notes, "A consultation fee may apply."

Have the plant's name ready. The botanical name, Epipremnum aureum, is clearer than "pothos," and a photo of the plant helps if you are not sure what it is. Then follow the instructions the veterinarian or poison control specialist gives you.

Are all pothos toxic? Marble Queen, Neon, satin and Cebu Blue

Plants sold as "pothos" are not all the same species, so it helps to know which one you have.

  • Golden, Marble Queen and Neon pothos. NC State's Epipremnum aureum page lists 'Marble Queen', 'Neon' and 'Golden Pothos' as cultivars of E. aureum, the species both ASPCA entries cover. See golden vs. Marble Queen vs. Neon pothos for how they differ in care.
  • Satin pothos is Scindapsus pictus, a different genus from Epipremnum. The ASPCA has a separate Satin Pothos entry (also called silk pothos) that lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with insoluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle.
  • Cebu Blue is a cultivar of Epipremnum pinnatum, according to NC State's Epipremnum pinnatum page. That page states, "If ingested, this plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans," and gives calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle.

To tell pothos from heartleaf philodendron, see pothos vs. philodendron.

Keeping a pothos in a home with pets

  • Place it out of reach. A hanging planter or a high shelf works better than a floor or table spot, but the vines trail down over time. Trim any vine that hangs within reach of a pet.
  • Pick up fallen leaves and trimmings. NC State lists the leaves and stems among the plant's poison parts.
  • Think about how your pet moves. A cat that climbs shelves can reach places a dog cannot.
  • Don't rely on deterrents. No placement or deterrent spray guarantees that a pet will leave a plant alone. If your pet is a determined chewer, a plant the ASPCA lists as non-toxic is the simpler choice.

Houseplants the ASPCA lists as non-toxic

The ASPCA's plant list adds a caveat that applies to every plant: "the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats." With that in mind, these houseplants have ASPCA entries listing them as non-toxic to dogs and cats:

For longer lists, see plants safe for cats, plants safe for dogs and the toxic plant directory.

Frequently asked

Are pothos toxic to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA's Golden Pothos and Devils Ivy entries both list Epipremnum aureum as toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates, and the listed signs include oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Is it safe to have a pothos in a house with cats?
The ASPCA lists pothos as toxic to cats, so no spot in the house makes it risk-free. If you keep one, hang it or shelve it where your cat cannot reach, trim vines that hang down and pick up fallen leaves. If your cat chews plants, a plant the ASPCA lists as non-toxic, such as a spider plant, is the simpler choice.
Are Marble Queen and Neon pothos toxic to cats?
Yes. NC State Extension lists 'Marble Queen' and 'Neon' as cultivars of Epipremnum aureum, the species the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats and dogs.
Is satin pothos toxic to cats?
Yes. Satin pothos is Scindapsus pictus, a different plant from Epipremnum aureum, but the ASPCA's Satin Pothos entry lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses because of insoluble calcium oxalates.
What should I do if my cat ate pothos?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA notes that a consultation fee may apply. Have the plant's botanical name, Epipremnum aureum, ready.

Sources: ASPCA: Golden Pothos, ASPCA: Devils Ivy, ASPCA: Satin Pothos, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants, ASPCA: Spider Plant, ASPCA: Boston Fern, ASPCA: Parlor Palm, ASPCA: Calathea, NC State Extension: Epipremnum aureum, NC State Extension: Epipremnum pinnatum