At a glance
| Plant | Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
| Toxic principle | insoluble calcium oxalate crystals |
| Signs ASPCA lists | mouth irritation, with burning of the mouth, tongue and lips; heavy drooling; vomiting; trouble swallowing |
| ASPCA page | Golden Pothos, checked November 10, 2026 |
What else to know
Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is a different plant that also carries the pothos name. ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs as well, for the same reason.
Look-alikes
- Heartleaf philodendron: toxic to cats, toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Same verdict, easy to confuse. Philodendron has leafy sheaths (stipules) on new growth and smooth leaf stalks; pothos has grooved leaf stalks and no free stipules.
- Hoya (wax plant): non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Another vining houseplant, but its leaves are thick and succulent.
Care basics
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light and copes with low light for long stretches.
Soil and water: Let the well-drained potting mix dry out between waterings. Feed every other month, except in winter.
Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Epipremnum aureum.
If your pet ate some
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, as soon as you can. ASPCA runs the line 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and says a consultation fee may apply.
Call (888) 426-4435 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control
This page is reference information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity facts are summarized in our own words from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list; Plamp is not affiliated with the ASPCA.
