Skip to main content

Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.

Figo Pet Insurance Logo
  • Pet Insurance
    • Dog Insurance
    • Cat Insurance
    • Coverage
    • Compare
    • FAQs
  • Pet Cloud
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Get a Quote
Figo logo

  • Login
  • Dog Insurance
  • Careers
  • Found a lost Figo pet?
  • About Us
  • Cat Insurance
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Employers
  • Veterinarians
  • Compare
  • Maine Residents
  • California Privacy

Subscribe to our newsletter

  • Instagram logo
  • facebook
  • tiktok
  • Twitter

No one is permitted to sell, solicit or negotiate an insurance policy without a producer license in the state in which the plan is sold, and all prospects should be directed to Figo Pet Insurance. The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state. Coverage underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC), a Delaware Insurance Company, 11333 North Scottsdale Road Suite 160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Live Vet and the Figo Pet Cloud are separate non-insurance services unaffiliated with IAIC. Figo Pet Insurance's California license number is 0K02763.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use & Licensing
  • Insurance Fraud Warnings
  • Underwriting

Copyright © 2015-2023 Figo Pet Insurance LLC. All rights reserved

Keep cat away from philodendron plant

January 31, 2017

Veterinarian Dr. Lee discusses the dangers posed to cats by the philodendron plant, and offers tips for keeping cats away.

Keep cat away from philodendron plant

Q:I want to adopt a cat from the shelter, but I have a 105-inch long philodendron that I know is toxic to cats. How can I prevent my new cat from nibbling my philodendron?

A:You are right that chewing philodendron leaves can make cats sick. This hardy plant with heart-shaped leaves contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which are extremely irritating to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to intestines.

After ingesting the leaves, cats drool profusely and show signs of abdominal pain. A cat that chews the plant and then rubs her mouth and eyes will exhibit eye pain, too. Fortunately, the oxalate crystals don’t dissolve, so they aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream where they could damage the kidneys and other organs.

To keep your new kitty away from the philodendron, set a motion-activated spray deterrent near the plant. Popular brands are ssscat, StayAway and Sunbeam Sensor Egg. When your kitty ventures near the philodendron, the aerosol canister will hiss out compressed air and scare her away.

If your new cat does manage to chew a leaf, give her milk or yogurt, which will bind the calcium oxalate crystals and decrease pain. Another option is chicken broth or tuna water (not tuna oil) to flush the crystals from her mouth.


Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine in Pennsylvania. Contact her at askdrlee@insurefigo.com.