Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ Toxic plants · Araceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is heart-leaf philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron cordatum) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.

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Heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron cordatum)
Photo: Nicolás Lavandero, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.

§ 020 · If it happened

What to do if your pet ate it

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.

§ 030 · Same family

Other Araceae plants toxic to pets

Heart-leaf philodendron belongs to the Araceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about heart-leaf philodendron and pets

Is heart-leaf philodendron toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists heart-leaf philodendron as toxic to cats.

Is heart-leaf philodendron toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists heart-leaf philodendron as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats heart-leaf philodendron?

Signs include mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 of 4.

What should I do if my pet ate it?

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.

Changes

5 Oct 2026: page drafted.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.

Plant Smart: Plant Smart: plants toxic to pets.

Photo: Nicolás Lavandero, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, source.

Checked Oct 2026.