Are Spider Plants Toxic To Cats? Know The Details Here!

Recently, spider plants are back in the news. With summer right around the corner, this plant, whose official name is Chlorophytum comosum, is one of the most opted indoor plants, thanks to its air-improving capacity. Alternatively known as spider ivy or ribbon plants, these are a staple for most residential hanging plant baskets. Having said that, of all pets, cats seem to be highly attracted to this plant. This leads to many pet parents asking – are spider plants toxic to cats? Well, they are not! 

In this post, we will clarify the reasons why cats are so attracted to spider plants and what happens if they ingest these plants by mistake. We will also discuss the risks associated with these plants and list ways to keep your plants safe around your feline house members. Here are the specifics for you – 

Are spider plants toxic to cats? 

spider plants toxic for cats
Image Credit: Indesign Live

From what has been found – spider plants are not toxic to cats. According to the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA) – spider plants are in no way poisonous to your feline friends. As a matter of fact, these spider plants make for great house plants and are not at all toxic to any pet that you might tame at home. 

However, there is a point you must remember. Spider plants, unlike other in-house plants, require high-level mist/humid conditions. Also, from time to time, you need to add fertilizers to it in order to strengthen its health. If, by chance, your cat nibbles on the standing water or the soil, that could be toxic to your feline friend. 

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Why does your cat get attracted to the spider plant? 

Though spider plants are not poisonous to your cats, they are exceptionally attracted to them. It is due to the hallucinogenic properties of this plant (research has related the chemical compounds of this plant to opium). 

Some studies reveal that this property mildly trips the cat and makes them a little drowsy. This is why you will more than often find cats taking a nice nap around these house plants. 

There is another theory that supports this attraction. Spider plants are dangly, and more than often, your little kitty misinterprets that to be grass. This is also the reason why, more often, you might find them nibbling at the houseplants. 

What do you do if your cat ingests the spider plant? 

Cat Vomiting after eating spider plant
Image Credit: PetCoach

So, are spider plants toxic to cats? As you have read so far, you know they are not. But what if your cat has nibbled on and ingested a little bit of this houseplant? Should you be worried? Well, not really! 

Ingesting this houseplant can result in minimal gastrointestinal issues. So if you find your cat vomiting in the first instance, you need not worry. This is an everyday affair; perhaps your feline dearie has only ingested a minimal amount of the plant. There have been instances when its consumption has led a cat to get mild skin irritation as well. 

But, if the vomiting or the gastrointestinal issue (especially diarrhea symptoms) continues, then, you must consult your vet immediately. 

What are the risks of spider plants? 

Are-Spider-Plants-Poisonous-or-Toxic-to-Humans-and-Pets
Image Credit: Ocean Property

Speaking as such, spider plants do not have any significant issues that could potentially harm humans or pets whatsoever. But, you must be careful about the common plant-related problems such as – 

  • Leaf spots with brown tips 
  • Dealing with pests is a regular issue 
  • You must ensure that they are always humid 
  • Keep flushing the soil to prevent salt buildup 

If you can manage these issues correctly, you will assuredly have a great houseplant that is non-toxic and stress-relieving in nature. 

How to keep your plants safe around the cat?

hanging spider plant for cat
Image Credit: Gardener’s Path

Given that you are still hovering on this page, we can safely assume you have understood how much are spider plants toxic to cats and what are the most common side effects if ingested. Now, let us give you an insight into managing this houseplant around your kitty so that the ingesting/tripping issue does not become routine. This is how you can protect both your plant and feline friend – 

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Tip 1 – Always keep your spider plants in hanging baskets out of your feline’s reach. This will significantly dissuade them from ingesting the leaves or even getting attracted to them. You can also keep them in a separate room. 

Tip 2—Ensure that your kitty is full. The primary reason your cat is found nibbling on the houseplants is boredom or a lack of nutrition in its diet. They consider this ‘grass-like’ plant suitable enough. Taking care of their requirements will help keep them away from these plants. 

Parting thoughts 

Now that you have found answers to the query – are spider plants toxic to cats or not, we hope you will be cautious about your kitty friend in the future. Given that cats are pretty friendly around these plants and also that they make for great house plants, picking up a pot full of it is a great idea. Having said that, in case of any untoward scenario, you must consult your vet for the specifics. 

We have also answered a handful of other most-asked queries for you to check out. For more exciting blogs like these, keep an eye on this website. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Which plants are toxic to your cats? 

The plants that are most toxic to your cats are – rubber tree plants, sago palm, and dieffenbachia. 

2. Which houseplants are suitable for your pets?

The suitable houseplants for your pets are – prayer plants(also called peacock plants), venus fly traps, Africa violet, parlor palm, Christmas cactus, succulents, Boston ferns, and watermelon peperomia to name a few. 

3. How to stop plant poisoning in my cat? 

Though the maximum your cat will face is a gastrointestinal issue since the plant is non-toxic, it is best to keep the plant out of your cat’s reach. Place it on a high shelf or hang it from your ceiling. If by chance they have ingested it, connect with your vet immediately. 

4. Are spider plants poisonous if my cat smells them? 

As mentioned throughout the article, spider plants are non-toxic to cats/other pets. Hence, even if they smell it there will not be any such issue. Your cat can easily nap around the plant without much of a worry.