Spider plants (chlorophytum comosum) are a popular houseplant known for their air-purifying properties and low maintenance care. But many cat owners wonder – are spider plants safe for cats? Let’s explore the facts and myths around spider plants and cats.
Spider Plants 101
Native to tropical and southern Africa, the spider plant is an evergreen perennial plant that can also grow outdoors in mild climates. It earns its name from the baby plantlets or “spiders” that form on flowering stems.
Spider plants are easy to care for, only requiring bright indirect light and weekly watering. They prefer average room temperatures between 60-80°F and do well in average home humidity.
These hardy plants are effective at removing toxins like xylene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from indoor air. NASA even lists them as an air-purifying plant.
Are Spider Plants Toxic to Cats?
The key question for cat owners is: are spider plants poisonous to cats if ingested?
The good news is spider plants are non-toxic for cats, Both the ASPCA and other reputable sources list them as safe for feline friends,
Even if a curious cat takes a nibble, the plant should not cause any harm. Spider plants do not contain any toxic compounds that are poisonous to cats.
So in moderation cats can interact with spider plants without risk of toxicity. However there are some important caveats discussed below.
Why Are Cats Attracted to Spider Plants?
While spider plants are non-toxic, many cats are strangely attracted to and will chew on them. There are a few reasons why cats may target spider plants:
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Hallucinogenic effects – Spider plants contain mild hallucinogenic compounds that appeal to cats, similar to catnip. These give cats a temporary “high” when chewing the leaves.
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Texture – The long leaves with tubular shape are attractive for cats to play with and bite.
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Spiderettes – The baby spider plantlets dangling from the mother plant are tempting for cats to interact with.
So with their hallucinogenic properties and dangly parts, spider plants seem almost irresistible to some cats. Even if the plant is technically safe, excessive chewing can still cause issues.
Potential Risks of Cats Eating Spider Plants
While not directly poisonous, there are some potential risks if cats consume spider plants:
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Gastrointestinal upset – Eating significant amounts can irritate the digestive tract, causing vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
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Dehydration – Excessive vomiting or diarrhea from overindulging can lead to dehydration if the cat doesn’t drink enough water.
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Plant part obstruction – It’s possible for pieces of leaves, stem or spiderettes to get lodged in the GI tract, causing a partial blockage requiring emergency surgery.
So if your cat is obsessively munching away, it’s best to limit their access to prevent excessive consumption and associated risks.
Tips to Keep Cats Safe Around Spider Plants
If you want to grow spider plants safely with cats, here are some tips:
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Place out of reach – Keep plants on high shelves, hanging from the ceiling or on window sills cats can’t access.
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Use deterrents – Try spraying leaves with bitter apple spray or plant-safe anti-chew sprays.
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Remove temptation – Prune off spiderettes so there are fewer dangling parts to attract cats.
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Provide alternatives – Give cats their own cat grass or catnip plant to satisfy chewing urges.
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Monitor behavior – Watch for obsessive chewing and gastrointestinal issues as signs to remove plants.
With some basic precautions, it’s certainly possible to keep spider plants in cat friendly homes. But supervision is still advised.
Other Houseplants Toxic to Cats
While spider plants are non-toxic for cats, many common houseplants can be poisonous if ingested by cats and dogs. Some to avoid include:
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Lilies – Extremely toxic, causing kidney failure in cats. All parts are poisonous.
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Sago palm – Highly toxic, causing liver failure in dogs and cats.
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Tulips/daffodils – Toxic bulbs can cause excessive salivation, gastrointestinal issues.
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Azaleas/rhododendrons – Toxic causing vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, paralysis.
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Chrysanthemums – Can cause skin irritation, drooling, diarrhea.
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Peace lilies – Mildly toxic, causing mouth irritation and gastrointestinal upset.
Always check a plant’s safety for pets before bringing it into your home. The ASPCA has a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants. When in doubt, avoid the plant or place it somewhere your pets can’t access.
Are Spider Plants Ultimately Safe for Cats?
To summarize – yes, spider plants are non-toxic and safe for cats when consumed in small amounts. But they can still pose risks if cats obsessively eat the leaves or plantlets.
With some basic precautions, it’s certainly possible to safely have spider plants, even in cat friendly households. But supervision is still advised to prevent overindulging. Limit access, monitor for adverse effects and provide plenty of alternative activities.
While spider plants don’t top the list of extremely toxic plants, they aren’t 100% risk-free either. Use caution and common sense when keeping these feline-tempting plants. And if in doubt, consult your veterinarian for their expert advice on safely integrating plants and pets.
Common Houseplants That May Be Toxic To Your Pet
Houseplants are a wholesome addition to the ambiance of any room. They can provide several health benefits, including keeping carbon dioxide levels down, removing pollutants, and improving moisture levels in your home. However, there are some common houseplants that can be toxic to your furry friends. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), the following houseplants could be potentially dangerous to the wellbeing of your pets.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (left) and Spider Plant (right) can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Small ingestions of either plant can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation, skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Left: Pothos (aka Devils Ivy), Right: Dumbcane
Left: Philodendron, Right: Chinese Evergreen
These plants contain insoluble calcium oxalates. The stem, leaf stalk, and leaves contain crystals that can cause irritation to the mouth and GI tract when chewed or ingested. Additional symptoms include nausea, drooling, gagging, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Left: Calla Lily, Right: Peace Lily
In addition to Calla Liles and Peace Lilies, there are several other Lilies that are extremely toxic to cats. According to Pet Poison Helpline, Lilies classified as “True Lilies” and “Day Lilies”, including Easter Lilies, Tiger Lilies, Stargazer Lilies, Japanese Show Lilies, and Asiatic Lilies, can trigger sudden kidney failure in cats. Pet owners should avoid having these types of Lilies in their homes or yards to avoid harm to their animals.
Exposure to these plants are not considered life threatening, but pets that show more severe symptoms may require a visit to your local vet.
Left: Dragon Tree, Right: Ribbon Plant
Left: Corn Plant, Right: Jade Plant
Small exposure to these plants can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs and cats. Larger exposure can lead to depression, weakness, and lack of coordination. Additional symptoms for cats may include enlarged pupils, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, drooling, and abdominal discomfort. Exposure to Jade plants in both cats and dogs may also cause lethargy, ataxia, and muscle tremors.
Left: Sago Palm, Right: Easter Lily
All parts of the Sago Palm plant are extremely toxic to both cats and dogs. However, the seeds contain the highest concentration of toxins. If exposed, pets can experience immediate vomiting, diarrhea with blood, lethargy, anorexia, and seizures. The most extreme symptom is liver failure, which can develop within three days of consumption.
Easter Lilies are very toxic to cats. Even the smallest amount of exposure to this plant can result in kidney injury and death, which can develop within 48-72 hours. Other symptoms include vomiting, depression, lethargy, and anorexia. Dogs often experience less severe symptoms than cats.
It is important to have an emergency plan in place if/when your animal is exposed to a toxic plant. Have emergency vet numbers easily accessible, including your own vet and a poison control hotline. The APC can be contacted at 888-426-4435. If symptoms are severe and you need to take your pet in for veterinary assistance, it may be helpful to bring a picture of the plant so your vet knows exactly what was consumed. In most cases, it is best to contact your vet if your pet is exposed to a large amount of these plants.
If you currently own any of these indoor plants, be sure they are placed on a high shelf or counter and are out of reach of your animal. If your pet likes to roam your fenced yard, you should consider avoiding these types of toxic plants in your landscaping. Pet owners should context their vet immediately if your pet has been exposed to either of these plants. You can also contact APCC at 888-426-4435.
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FAQ
What happens if a cat eats a spider plant?
If a cat eats a spider plant, it will likely experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, but it’s not considered toxic.
Can I have a spider plant if I have a cat?
Thankfully, spider plant is considered nontoxic to cats as well as dogs, according to the ASPCA. 1 So you can keep this plant without having to worry about your feline becoming very ill or needing to make an emergency trip to the vet.
Why do cats lick spider plants?
In case you didn’t know, spider plants contain a chemical that is psychedelic to cats. Pretty much all cats are obsessed with spider plants because they get high off of them its not harmful to them, but it may make them interested in trying other plants that can be harmful.
Are spider plants mildly psychedelic to cats?
Some people believe that spider plants have a mild hallucinogenic effect on cats, but there is no research to back up this claim.