Andy Montoya
The Swiss cheese plant, a common houseplant in Florida, is toxic to humans and also poisonous to cats and dogs. The plant's distinct feature is its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with holes that resemble Swiss cheese. While the plant bears edible fruit, its leaves and sap contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe irritation in the mouth and throat, along with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation. If you suspect poisoning from the Swiss cheese plant, immediate medical attention is necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Swiss cheese plant |
| Scientific name | Monstera deliciosa |
| Family | Arum |
| Type | Woody, perennial, climbing vine |
| Leaves | Large, glossy, dark green, heart-shaped, lobed and holed |
| Flowers | Creamy white, large, self-pollinating, produce edible fruit |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans |
| Toxin | Calcium oxalate crystals |
| Symptoms of poisoning | Skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at mouth, ulcers in gums and lips, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, severe skin reactions |
| Treatment | Rinse affected area with water, remove remnants from the mouth, dilute with milk or water, keep individual calm, call emergency services if necessary |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese plants are toxic to cats
The Swiss cheese plant, with its distinctive large, glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves, is a popular houseplant. However, it is important to be aware that this plant is toxic to cats.
The Swiss cheese plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are released into a cat's mouth if they chew on or consume any part of the plant. These crystals penetrate the tissues in the mouth, causing intense burning and irritation. The sap of the plant is particularly dangerous, as it can also cause irritation and inflammation of the throat, eyes, and digestive tract.
If you suspect your cat has been exposed to the Swiss cheese plant, look out for common symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, or pawing at the mouth. Your cat may also have ulcers on their gums and lips, and you may notice a red bump on their body. If you observe any of these symptoms or see your cat chewing on an unfamiliar plant, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
To prevent Swiss cheese plant poisoning in cats, it is important to keep the plant out of your cat's reach or remove it from your home or garden altogether. If you are unsure how your cat was exposed, it is recommended to keep your cat indoors to prevent further exposure. Remember, when it comes to plants and pets, it is always better to be safe than sorry!
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They are also poisonous to dogs and humans
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, or raphides, which are toxic to dogs and cause oral irritation and other symptoms. If ingested by a dog, symptoms include an intense burning sensation in the mouth, throat, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, choking, and swelling of the throat. There may also be difficulty swallowing, and in larger quantities, severe digestive upset and extreme difficulty breathing. In massive doses, the plant can cause convulsions, renal failure, coma, and death.
If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a Swiss cheese plant, it is important to act quickly. Remove any plant remnants from the dog's mouth and rinse its mouth out with water. You should then take your dog to the vet immediately, bringing a sample of the plant if possible. Speed is critical, as the symptoms can last up to two weeks, and severe cases can result in permanent liver and kidney damage.
There are treatments that can be administered at home to help alleviate the gastrointestinal upset caused by ingesting the plant, such as Kapectolin and Sucralfate. However, it is always best to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
To prevent your dog from eating the plant, you can use deterrents, barriers, and training. Deterrents such as bitter sprays can be applied to the leaves and stems to make them unappealing to dogs. Physical barriers like decorative fences or plant cages can also be used to keep dogs away from the plant. It is also important to supervise your dog during playtime and regularly inspect your space for any fallen plant debris.
The Swiss cheese plant is also toxic to humans. The calcium oxalate crystals in the plant can irritate the skin, eyes, mouth, and digestive tract. It is important to wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid getting the sap on your skin. Keep curious children away from the Swiss cheese plant, as ingestion can be harmful to them as well.
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Symptoms of poisoning include tongue swelling, nausea, and vomiting
The Swiss cheese plant is toxic to humans and animals. The main toxic agent present in the plant is needle-like, insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The sap of the plant is especially dangerous and can cause irritation and inflammation of the mouth, throat, eyes, and digestive tract. The crystals can penetrate the mucous membranes of the mouth, causing a burning sensation and irritation.
If you observe these symptoms in your cat, take them to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will likely wash your cat's mouth out and remove any visible crystals. They may also perform a gastric lavage to remove any remaining toxins from the stomach. If your cat has been vomiting excessively, the vet may administer medication to coat the stomach lining and prevent further irritation.
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The plant's sap and unripe fruit are toxic
The Swiss cheese plant is a woody, perennial, climbing vine with large, glossy, and dark green leaves that can grow up to 35 inches long. The flowers of the plant are creamy white and large, with a length of 8 to 12 inches. While the plant is commonly used to decorate houses and offices, it is important to note that its sap and unripe fruit are toxic to humans and animals.
The main toxic agent present in the Swiss cheese plant is needle-like, insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause intense burning and irritation in the mouth, throat, eyes, and digestive tract. Ingestion of the plant can also cause a loss of the ability to speak due to tongue swelling, irritation, and excessive salivation. Other symptoms of ingestion include difficulty speaking, swallowing, skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you or someone you know comes into contact with the Swiss cheese plant, it is important to act quickly. For skin contact, rinse the affected area immediately with water. If the plant is ingested, remove any remnants from the mouth and rinse thoroughly. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a healthcare professional. Offer milk or water to dilute the toxins, but this is only a temporary measure. Keep the individual calm and still to prevent the further spread of toxins.
If you have pets, it is important to keep them away from the Swiss cheese plant as it is toxic to cats and dogs. Common signs of Swiss cheese plant poisoning in cats include vomiting or acting strangely. If you notice any of these signs or see your cat chewing on the plant, take them to the vet immediately.
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Wash skin and mouth with water if you come into contact with the plant
The Swiss cheese plant is a woody, perennial, climbing vine with large, glossy, and dark green leaves. It is commonly used to decorate houses and offices in Florida. While the plant bears edible fruit, the rest of the plant is toxic to humans and animals. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are released into the mouth during consumption. These crystals penetrate the tissues in the mouth and cause a burning sensation and irritation.
If you come into contact with the Swiss cheese plant, it is important to act fast. First, remove any remnants of the plant from your skin and mouth. Then, wash your skin and mouth thoroughly with water. If the plant has been ingested, do not induce vomiting unless directed by a healthcare professional. Offer milk or water to dilute any toxins, but this is only a temporary measure. Keep yourself calm and still to prevent the spread of toxins in your body. If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, or severe skin reactions, call emergency services. For less urgent symptoms, contact your doctor or Poison Control.
If you own a cat or dog, it is important to keep them away from the Swiss cheese plant. If you suspect that your pet has come into contact with the plant, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will likely wash your pet's mouth to remove any crystals and perform a gastric lavage to remove any remaining toxins in the stomach. Your pet's mouth and stomach may be sore after treatment, so it is recommended to stick to soft foods that won't cause further irritation.
To prevent accidental contact with the Swiss cheese plant, it is important to foster a sense of respect and curiosity about plants, especially in children. Involve your children in safe plant care activities, such as watering, and be ready to answer any questions they may have about the world of plants. By educating yourself and your loved ones about the potential dangers of certain plants, you can help safeguard your family from accidental poisoning.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Swiss cheese plants are poisonous to cats, dogs, and humans.
If a person comes into contact with a Swiss cheese plant, act quickly. Rinse the affected area with water immediately. If the plant is ingested, remove any remnants from the mouth and rinse thoroughly. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a healthcare professional. Give the person milk or water to dilute the toxins, but this is only a temporary solution. Keep the person calm and still to prevent the spread of toxins. Call emergency services if the person has difficulty breathing, or experiences swelling of the mouth or throat, or severe skin reactions. For less urgent symptoms, contact your doctor or Poison Control.
If you suspect your cat has ingested a Swiss cheese plant, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Common symptoms include vomiting, drooling, and pawing at the mouth. The vet will likely wash your cat's mouth to remove any crystals and may perform a gastric lavage to remove any remaining toxins in the stomach.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a Swiss cheese plant, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will likely wash your dog's mouth to remove any crystals and may perform a gastric lavage to remove any remaining toxins in the stomach.
To prevent poisoning, keep the plant out of the reach of children and pets. If you have a cat, consider keeping them indoors to prevent exposure to the plant.
