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.
What’s Inside a Monstera That Makes It Unsafe?
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, these crystals are released and can cause a painful reaction.
They irritate the mouth, gums, and throat, and sometimes even the digestive tract.
The reaction is immediate.
It feels like pins and needles or burning, and it’s enough to make most pets stop chewing right away.
In that sense, the plant kind of defends itself.
But just because pets stop after a bite doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Even small amounts can cause discomfort or more serious symptoms in sensitive animals.
And the crystals don’t break down, so they’re just as harmful whether your pet chews a fresh leaf or a fallen one.
What Happens If Your Pet Eats a Monstera Leaf?
If your cat or dog takes a bite of a Monstera leaf or stem, they’re probably going to react pretty fast.
The calcium oxalate crystals act quickly once they make contact.
You might see your pet pawing at their mouth, drooling, gagging, or shaking their head.
Some pets may even vomit or refuse to eat.
Others might try to hide because they’re uncomfortable.
The most common symptoms include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
This can make swallowing or breathing difficult in rare cases, especially for small pets.
The good news is that Monstera poisoning is usually not deadly.
Most pets recover fully with basic care.
But that doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
It’s painful, stressful, and definitely worth preventing.
Some pets—especially cats—may keep trying to chew the plant, which only makes things worse.
That’s why it’s so important to keep Monsteras out of reach if you’ve got an adventurous animal at home.
Cats vs. Monsteras: A Risky Relationship
If there’s one animal most likely to get into your houseplants, it’s a cat.
They climb, jump, and explore every corner of your home.
And when it comes to Monsteras, cats might be especially curious.
The big leaves dangle in the air, the stems are soft and easy to chew, and some cats just like to play with plants for fun.
That puts them at risk.
Even if your cat just bats at a Monstera leaf, they could accidentally get sap on their paws.
If they lick their paw later, the crystals can irritate their mouth or cause stomach upset.
Some cats develop a habit of chewing on plants when they’re bored, anxious, or trying to get your attention.
In multi-cat households, you might not even know which cat took the bite.
It’s easy to miss the early warning signs.
That’s why pet owners with cats need to be extra cautious with Monsteras and keep them well out of reach—or consider skipping them altogether.
Dogs and Monsteras: Curiosity Can Be Dangerous
Dogs are less likely to climb, but they’re just as likely to chew.
If you’ve got a puppy or a curious adult dog who explores the world with their mouth, a Monstera within reach can be tempting.
Especially if it’s placed on the floor in a decorative basket or large pot.
Boredom is a big trigger for plant-chewing behavior in dogs.
If they’re left alone too long or don’t have enough toys, they might go looking for entertainment—and your Monstera might be the most interesting thing in the room.
Large dogs can easily knock over a plant or strip leaves with their teeth.
Smaller dogs might only reach the bottom leaves but could still do damage.
Either way, even one bite can cause drooling, vomiting, or swelling.
And dogs don’t always know when to stop.
Some will keep chewing despite the pain, especially if they’re food-motivated or confused.
That’s why supervision and smart plant placement are essential in dog-friendly homes.
Signs of Monstera Poisoning in Pets
If you think your pet has chewed on your Monstera, watch closely for the following signs.
Drooling is usually the first clue.
It may be excessive and last for several minutes.
You might also notice swelling around the mouth or lips.
Some pets will whine, paw at their face, or try to hide.
Vomiting or gagging may follow, depending on how much they ingested.
In some cases, you may hear wheezing or see signs of labored breathing—this is rare but serious.
If the swelling affects the throat or airway, immediate vet care is needed.
Lethargy or refusal to eat can also occur.
Your pet may not seem like themselves for a day or two as they recover from the discomfort.
Even if the symptoms are mild, it’s a good idea to call your vet or a poison control hotline for advice.
They may recommend supportive care like rinsing your pet’s mouth with water or giving them something soft to eat.
Always take these signs seriously, especially if you’re unsure how much of the plant was consumed.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Monstera
First, don’t panic.
Most cases are uncomfortable but not life-threatening.
Check your pet’s mouth for signs of swelling or irritation.
Rinse their mouth gently with cool water if they’ll let you.
Remove any remaining plant bits from their fur or mouth.
Offer fresh water to help wash down any residue.
If your pet is still drooling, gagging, or pawing at their face after a few minutes, call your vet.
They’ll ask about your pet’s size, what part of the plant they ate, and how much.
In some cases, they may recommend bringing your pet in for observation or treatment.
If your pet has trouble breathing, collapses, or can’t swallow, head to the emergency vet right away.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Keep a sample of the plant (or take a photo) to show the vet exactly what was ingested.
Knowing the plant species helps them give the right advice faster.
Keeping Pets and Monsteras Under One Roof
So what if you love Monsteras but also love your pets?
Is there a way to have both?
Yes—with some planning and smart choices.
Start by placing your Monstera out of reach.
High shelves, hanging planters, or plant stands can help keep it away from pets.
If your cat jumps, consider using deterrents like double-sided tape or citrus-scented sprays.
You can also create a designated “plant zone” in a room your pets don’t go into.
Baby gates or closed doors can work wonders.
Make sure fallen leaves don’t end up on the floor where pets can find them.
Regular pruning helps limit temptation.
If your pet is especially curious, consider wrapping the base of the plant in mesh or chicken wire to block access.
You can also provide safe, pet-friendly plants like cat grass, spider plants, or herbs to give them something they’re allowed to chew.
Keeping pets and Monsteras together takes effort—but it’s possible with the right setup.
What About Monstera Deliciosa Fruit?
Here’s an interesting twist.
The fruit of the Monstera deliciosa plant (when fully ripe in tropical regions) is actually edible for humans.
It tastes like a mix between pineapple and banana.
But here’s the catch—it’s only safe when fully ripe.
The unripe fruit, stem, and leaves still contain those same calcium oxalate crystals.
And even though it’s edible for people, it’s not considered safe for pets.
Pets should never eat any part of the Monstera plant, including the fruit.
The risk of irritation is still there, and there’s no reason to chance it.
Save the exotic fruit for yourself and keep your pets away from every part of the plant.
Are Any Monsteras Pet-Safe?
Unfortunately, no variety of Monstera is considered non-toxic to pets.
Whether you’re growing Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, or another variety, they all contain calcium oxalate crystals.
This means they all carry the same risks.
Some online lists may claim certain Monsteras are “less toxic” than others, but this is misleading.
The reaction depends on the pet, the amount eaten, and how sensitive they are.
Even a small nibble can cause big discomfort.
So when it comes to Monsteras and pets, it’s safest to treat them all the same—handle with caution and keep them out of reach.
Final Thoughts
Monstera plants are beautiful, bold, and a favorite among plant lovers.
But if you share your home with pets, they come with a risk.
Monsteras are not pet-safe.
They contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth pain, drooling, vomiting, and swelling if ingested.
While they’re usually not deadly, they can still cause a lot of stress—for both you and your furry friend.
The best way to enjoy Monsteras in a pet-friendly home is to keep them out of reach and monitor your animals closely.
Know the signs of poisoning, act quickly if something goes wrong, and create a space where both your pets and plants can thrive.
Because the truth is, you can have a stylish jungle home and keep your animals safe.
You just have to plan ahead—and listen when your pets and plants try to tell you something’s not quite right.