Monsteras are some of the most popular houseplants around. They have large, dramatic leaves that bring instant style and a tropical feel to any room.
They’re often seen in stylish homes, offices, and plant-filled corners of Instagram. But while they may be good for your home’s aesthetic, there’s one big question every pet owner should ask before bringing one home.
Are Monstera plants safe for cats and dogs? The answer is more complicated than just yes or no.
If you live with curious pets who like to nibble on your houseplants, this article is for you.
We’ll break down the risks, signs of trouble, and how to safely enjoy your Monstera without putting your furry friend in harm’s way.
Why Monstera Plants Are Unsafe for Pets
Monsteras might look innocent, but they contain something called calcium oxalate crystals. These are tiny, needle-shaped crystals found inside the plant’s stems and leaves.
When a pet chews or bites the plant, the crystals are released and cause a painful reaction. They irritate the mouth, gums, and throat, and sometimes even affect the digestive tract.
The reaction happens fast. It feels like pins and needles or a burning sensation, and it’s usually enough to make most pets stop chewing.
In that sense, the plant defends itself. But just because a pet stops after one bite does not make the plant safe.
Even small amounts can cause discomfort or more serious symptoms in sensitive animals. And the crystals stay active in all plant parts, whether the leaf is fresh or fallen.
What to Expect If a Pet Eats a Monstera
If your cat or dog takes a bite of a Monstera leaf or stem, the reaction is usually quick. The calcium oxalate crystals work fast once they make contact.
You might notice your pet drooling, pawing at their mouth, gagging, or shaking their head. Some pets vomit or refuse to eat. Others may try to hide because they are uncomfortable.
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat is also common. In rare cases, this can make breathing or swallowing difficult, especially for smaller pets.
The good news is that Monstera poisoning is rarely fatal. Most pets recover fully with basic care.
Still, the experience is painful and stressful. Some pets—especially cats—may continue returning to the plant, which only worsens things.
That’s why it’s important to keep Monsteras out of reach if you have an adventurous animal in the house.
Why Cats Are Especially at Risk
If there’s one animal that’s most likely to mess with your houseplants, it’s a cat. They jump, climb, and explore every corner of your home.
And Monsteras seem to draw them in.
The leaves dangle like toys, the stems are easy to chew, and some cats simply enjoy batting at or playing with plants. That curiosity puts them at risk.
Even a quick swipe of the paw can transfer sap. If your cat licks their paw later, the crystals can still cause irritation.
Some cats chew plants when they’re bored or trying to get your attention. In a home with multiple cats, it can be hard to know which one took a bite.
And by the time symptoms show, the plant may already be chewed. That’s why pet owners with cats need to be especially cautious with Monsteras and either keep them well out of reach or avoid them altogether.
How Dogs Interact with Monstera Plants
Dogs may not climb like cats, but many love to chew. That makes them equally at risk when a Monstera is placed within their reach.
A floor-level planter or decorative basket might look great, but it’s an open invitation to a bored or curious dog. Puppies are especially likely to explore new textures with their mouths.
If they don’t have enough toys or stimulation, a leafy plant can seem like an exciting distraction.
Larger dogs may knock over the entire pot or rip off leaves. Smaller dogs might nibble on low-hanging stems.
Either way, a single bite can cause drooling, gagging, or vomiting. And dogs don’t always stop at one bite. Some will continue chewing even as symptoms begin.
That’s why supervision and plant placement are essential in a dog-friendly home. Prevention is the best protection.
Symptoms That Point to Monstera Poisoning
If you suspect your pet chewed on a Monstera, keep an eye out for signs of distress. Drooling is often the first and most noticeable clue.
You may also see swelling around the mouth or lips. Pets might paw at their face, whine, or try to hide.
Gagging, vomiting, or refusing to eat may follow. In some cases, breathing sounds may change. Wheezing or labored breathing needs immediate vet care.
Though rare, swelling in the throat can block the airway. Quick action can make a big difference.
Even when symptoms seem mild, it’s smart to call your vet or a pet poison control hotline. They might suggest rinsing your pet’s mouth with water or offering a soft, soothing treat.
It’s always better to check in than to assume everything is fine.
Steps to Take After an Ingestion
First, try to stay calm. Most pets experience discomfort but recover quickly.
Check your pet’s mouth for visible swelling or irritation. If they’ll let you, gently rinse their mouth with cool water.
Remove any remaining pieces of the plant from their fur or lips. Offer clean drinking water to help wash the crystals away.
If symptoms continue after a few minutes, call your vet. Be ready to explain how much of the plant was eaten, what part of it was involved, and your pet’s size.
In more serious cases, your vet may recommend bringing your pet in for treatment. If your pet collapses, struggles to breathe, or cannot swallow, go to the emergency vet immediately.
Take a sample or a photo of the plant to show the vet. It helps them make faster, more accurate decisions about treatment.
How to Keep Pets Safe Around Monsteras
If you love Monsteras but also share your home with pets, you can make it work. It just takes a little planning.
Keep your plant out of reach. High shelves, hanging planters, and tall stands make a big difference.
If your cat jumps, you may need extra protection. Use deterrents like double-sided tape or citrus spray on nearby surfaces.
You can also create a separate plant zone in a closed room. Baby gates and doors keep curious pets out when you are not watching.
Watch out for fallen leaves too. Even those are still harmful if chewed.
Regular pruning keeps plants tidy and limits temptation. If needed, wrap mesh or chicken wire around the plant’s base to prevent access.
Offering safe alternatives can also help. Pet-friendly plants like cat grass or certain herbs give animals something they are allowed to nibble.
It takes effort, but a home with pets and Monsteras can work beautifully with the right setup.
Why the Fruit Should Also Be Avoided
Here’s something unexpected. The fruit of a Monstera deliciosa, when fully ripe, is edible for humans.
It tastes like a tropical mix of pineapple and banana.
But it must be completely ripe to be safe. Unripe fruit, like the rest of the plant, contains calcium oxalate crystals.
And even if ripe fruit is safe for people, that does not make it safe for pets.
Dogs and cats should never eat any part of a Monstera, including its fruit. The irritation risk remains, and there is no benefit in offering it to animals.
Enjoy the fruit yourself if you grow it, but keep it far from curious paws and whiskers.
No Safe Varieties for Pets
Unfortunately, no variety of Monstera is considered non-toxic. All Monstera species contain calcium oxalate crystals.
That includes Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, and all lesser-known types. They all carry the same risks.
Some sources may suggest that certain types are less toxic, but this is misleading. The reaction depends more on the pet than the plant.
Even a small bite from any Monstera can cause discomfort. Until a pet chews one, you never know how severe the reaction will be.
That’s why it’s safest to treat all Monsteras as potentially harmful and keep them out of reach.
Final Thoughts
Monstera plants are beautiful, bold, and beloved by many plant lovers. But for homes with pets, they come with a very real risk.
Monsteras are not pet-safe. They contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause painful symptoms if chewed or ingested.
While most cases are not fatal, they can still lead to stress, vet visits, and unnecessary discomfort.
The best approach is prevention. Keep Monsteras where pets cannot reach them, know the signs of trouble, and act quickly if anything goes wrong.
With the right precautions, it is possible to enjoy both your plants and your pets. You just have to stay one step ahead.
A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your whole household happy and safe.