Is Philodendron Pink Princess Toxic to Cats? What Cat Owners Need to Know

Philodendron Pink Princess has become an increasingly popular houseplant in recent years With its beautiful variegated leaves in shades of pink, green, and cream, it’s easy to see why this plant is so sought-after However, there has been some concern that Philodendron Pink Princess may be toxic to cats. As responsible cat owners, it’s important we understand the risks this plant may pose.

In this article, we’ll explore in detail whether Philodendron Pink Princess is toxic to cats, look at the symptoms of toxicity, and discuss how to keep our feline friends safe.

Is Philodendron Pink Princess Toxic to Cats?

The short answer is yes Philodendron Pink Princess is toxic to cats if ingested. Like many other philodendrons, Pink Princess contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If a cat chews or eats the leaves, these crystals can cause oral irritation drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

While a small nibble may only result in mild drooling, ingesting larger amounts can lead to more severe reactions. Vomiting, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat may occur. In rare cases, it can also cause breathing difficulties.

So while a quick taste is unlikely to seriously harm your cat, it’s best to keep this plant out of tempted paws. The reactions can be very uncomfortable and may require veterinary care.

Which Parts of the Pink Princess Plant are Toxic?

The main toxic part of the philodendron is the leaves, due to the calcium oxalate crystals concentrated in the foliage. However, the stems and roots also contain the irritating substance so should be kept away from cats too.

In terms of sap, philodendrons don’t tend to leak much fluid when damaged. But if a curious cat did happen to get plant sap on its fur or paws while exploring, it could cause minor skin irritation.

The pink princess flowers are another potential hazard. The blooms contain crystals like the foliage and can also cause drooling and mouth pain when nibbled.

How Does Philodendron Pink Princess Affect Cats?

As mentioned above, the calcium oxalate crystals are the agents responsible for philodendron’s toxic effects in cats. Here’s a more in-depth look at how these crystals impact cats when ingested:

• The tiny, needle-shaped crystals penetrate the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, throat and stomach lining when chewed or swallowed.

• This causes significant pain, irritation, swelling and inflammation at the site as the body reacts defensively.

• Drooling and foaming at the mouth are common as the cat produces extra saliva in response to the irritation.

• Eating and swallowing becomes difficult and painful. Vomiting may occur as the body tries to expel the irritant.

• In the stomach, the crystals can cause upset, nausea and abdominal discomfort.

• If the airway swells significantly, breathing can be affected in rare cases.

• Skin contact with the plant sap can cause mild redness and itchiness. The cat may excessively lick the area.

Signs Your Cat May Have Ingested Philodendron Pink Princess

Look out for these symptoms if you suspect your cat has nibbled on or eaten parts of a pink princess philodendron:

• Drooling, lip licking and foaming at the mouth

• Pawing at the mouth and face

• Swelling or blisters around lips and face

• Discomfort when eating or difficulty swallowing

• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat

• Nausea, vomiting or retching

• Excessive salivation

• Painful abdomen when touched

• Lethargy or depression

If you see any of these signs in your cat, monitor them closely. Contact your vet if symptoms persist for more than a day or appear to worsen. Rapid veterinary care is vital if your cat seems to have respiratory distress.

How Much Philodendron Pink Princess Can Cause Toxicity?

The severity of symptoms depends on how much of the plant the cat ingests. A quick nibble may just cause minor drooling for a few hours. Whereas a large ingestion can result in intense vomiting, swelling and significant pain requiring veterinary hospitalization.

As a general rule, the more philodendron leaves or parts eaten, the worse the reaction will be. Although individual sensitivity also plays a role. Older cats or those with pre-existing conditions may struggle more with the effects than a healthy adult.

To be safe, it’s best to assume any ingested amount could lead to an adverse reaction. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear – seek prompt veterinary advice whenever philodendron chewing or eating is suspected.

Can Philodendron Pink Princess Kill Cats?

It’s very rare for philodendron poisoning to be fatal in cats when treated promptly. But in a worst case scenario, it’s not impossible.

If the airways swell significantly, the cat may struggle to breathe which can become life-threatening without urgent care. Severe throat obstruction could also occur in rare cases if a large amount is ingested.

That said, the vast majority of cats will recover fully with appropriate veterinary treatment. The most common outcome is a few days of mouth pain and gastrointestinal upset before symptoms pass.

So while death is unlikely, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek prompt veterinary advice. Don’t attempt to treat philodendron poisoning at home. With early and proper care, your cat has an excellent chance of making a full recovery.

How to Prevent Cats Ingesting Philodendron Pink Princess

The ideal solution is to keep philodendron pink princess out of your home and garden if you have cats. But if you favor the foliage too much to give it up, here are some tips to reduce the risk of poisoning:

• Place it somewhere up high that cats can’t access – wall mounts and hanging planters are great options.

• Put a physical barrier like a cover or wire mesh around the plant if within reach.

• Use cat repellent sprays on and around the plant. Cats dislike citrus smells.

• Keep the plant in a room cats are not allowed in and keep the door closed.

• Trim and remove any trailing parts within reach. Don’t allow it to become an irresistible cat toy.

• Check for and remove any fallen leaves, stems or flowers daily.

• Consider pet-friendly alternatives like spider plants, bamboos and Boston ferns instead.

Stay vigilant and try to accompany or distract cats whenever they’re around the philodendron to prevent chewing. But for maximum safety, restricting all access is best.

What to Do if Your Cat Ingests Philodendron Pink Princess

If you catch your cat nibbling on philodendron or suspect ingestion has occurred:

• Remove them from the area immediately.

• Don’t induce vomiting as this may worsen irritation.

• Gently wipe the mouth to remove plant debris.

• Offer a small amount of milk to help soothe irritation.

• Monitor closely for signs of drooling, swallowing difficulty, lethargy or distress. Don’t leave them unsupervised.

• Contact your vet right away for advice and bring the plant along for identification.

• Follow your vet’s recommendations which may include inducing vomiting, anti-inflammatories, IV fluids, and hospitalization.

Never take a wait and see approach. Get veterinary input as soon as possible. Early treatment leads to the best outlook for your cat.

How Long Do Symptoms Last in Cats?

With prompt veterinary treatment, mild symptoms in cats may resolve within 12-24 hours. Moderate cases often improve within 1-3 days.

In more severe cases where swelling was significant or a large amount ingested, it can take around 5-7 days for all symptoms to fully resolve.

Cats who didn’t receive rapid treatment tend to take longer to recover. Secondary issues like dehydration also prolong recovery times.

Monitor your cat closely even after symptoms seem to have passed to ensure they are eating and behaving normally. If any concerns arise, get veterinary advice.

Can Cats Recover Completely After Philodendron Poisoning?

The outlook for complete recovery is excellent in most cases when treated quickly. With appropriate supportive therapy, inflammation and irritation can be minimized before lasting damage sets in.

In rare cases, severe throat swelling has resulted in tracheal strictures requiring surgery. But for most cats promptly treated, no lasting effects are expected.

Appetite and normal behavior often return within a day or two of starting treatment. Ensure your cat is properly rehydrated and watch for signs of secondary issues like lethargy.

While any poisoning is concerning, philodendrons are not as toxic as lilies and many other household plants. So try not to worry excessively once your cat is under veterinary care. Focus on monitoring their recovery and preventing re-exposure.

Cat-Friendly Houseplant Alternatives to Philodendron Pink Princess

If you decide the risks outweigh the rewards of growing philodendron around your cat, here are some safer decorative options:

• Ferns – Boston, rabbit’s foot and maidenhair ferns are all non-toxic and pet-friendly.

• Parlour Palms – Hardier and easier to care for than other palm varieties.

• Peperomia – A genus with hundreds of non-toxic species with colorful leaves.

• Orchids – Beautiful, elegant flowers that come in thousands of varieties.

• African Violets – Colorful blooms and fuzzy leaves. Do need bright light though.

• Bromeliads – Unusual tropical plants with colorful bracts and markings.

Do thorough research before introducing any new plant to your home to ensure it’s cat-friendly. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to avoiding plant poisoning.

While pink princess philodendron is toxic when ingested by cats, serious or fatal poisoning is relatively rare. With prompt veterinary treatment, most cats will make a full recovery.

Restricting all access to the plant is the only way to prevent curious cats from nibbling. But if this isn’t possible, take precautions to limit contact through placement, barriers and deterrents.

Watch cats closely if they have any exposure to the philodendron and never hesitate to seek veterinary advice at the first signs of drooling or swallowing difficulty after contact. With early supportive care, recovery prospects are generally excellent.