Are Spider Plants Poisonous to Cats?

Are spider plants poisonous to cats?

Spider plants are not poisonous to cats. In fact, they are similar to other harmless grasses that cats often eat to get dietary fiber to help with their digestive process. Nibbling on spider plant leaves can assist in breaking down furballs, allowing them to pass normally instead of having to vomit them up.

However, you should know that just because spider plants are not poisonous doesn’t mean you should let your cats eat as many as they like. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their diet primarily consists of meat. Like any other plant, if your cat eats too many at once, it can lead to a stomach upset.

In this article, we will  answer other common questions you may have about cats eating spider plants.

Are spider plants safe for cats?

According to the ASPCA, spider plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. This means that if your cat nibbles on a leaf, it won’t cause any harm. 

Let’s look at more reasons that make spider plants a safer option for your pets.

Non-toxic nature

The first and most important reason spider plants are a safe option is their non-toxic makeup. Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are listed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, unlike snake plants and carnations. 

However, if your cat ingests a significant amount, it can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s nothing to be worried about as the symptoms are short-lived and not severe.

Air purification

Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities. They help remove toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene (chemicals found in household products) from the air and create a healthier environment for humans and pets.

Fibrous texture

Some cats instinctively eat plants to help expel hairballs or other indigestible matter. The fibrous leaves of spider plants help with this purpose without the risk associated with toxic plants.

What happens if a cat eats a spider plant?

If your cat eats a spider plant, especially a significant amount, it might experience gastrointestinal upset due to the fibrous nature of the plant. So, even though spider plants are non-toxic, their digestive systems aren't made for processing a lot of plant material.

Side effects of cats eating a significant amount of spider plants include:

• Drooling: You might notice your cat drooling more than usual as their system reacts to the plant matter.
• Vomiting: The high fiber content irritates the stomach, leading to vomiting as the cat tries to expel the indigestible matter. Sometimes, cats instinctively eat plants to help them vomit hairballs or other indigestible materials.
• Diarrhea: An increased fiber intake disrupts a cat's digestive balance, resulting in diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite: Discomfort causes a cat to lose interest in food, leading to a temporary decrease in appetite.

Will my cat hallucinate from spider plants?

There is no scientific research to support the idea that spider plants have hallucinogenic properties, but some theories believe that they might have a mild effect on cats. Some cat owners have reported that their kittens experience bursts of playful energy that last about 10 to 15 minutes, but these results vary.

Are spider plants poisonous to dogs?

No, spider plants are not poisonous to dogs. ASPCA categorizes them as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. So, if your dog nibbles on a spider plant, it’s not a cause for concern. However, like with cats, if eaten in large quantities, spider plants can still lead to gastrointestinal upset in dogs. 

Spider plants and other cat-safe houseplants

Cat owners should ideally select houseplants that are non-toxic to their feline companions.

• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Also known for its lush, feathery fronds, this plant thrives in humid environments and indirect light. It improves indoor air quality and is safe for cats and dogs.
• Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii): This palm has slender, arching fronds that thrive in low light, making it perfect for indoor spaces. It helps purify the air and is non-toxic to cats.
• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Known for its feathery, arching leaves, this palm can grow quite tall and add a tropical touch to your home.
• Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): Graceful, arching fronds that require minimal care and can tolerate low light. Plus, it’s non-toxic to cats.
• Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa): Lush, fan-shaped fronds known for improving air quality. It’s resilient, safe for cats, and thrives in different lighting conditions.
• African Violet (Saintpaulia): This charming plant produces vibrant purple, blue, or white flowers and enjoys bright, indirect light. With proper care, it can bloom year-round.
• Calathea (Calathea spp.): Stunning patterned leaves that come in different varieties, each with unique designs. It prefers humid environments and indirect light.
• Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata): This unique plant features a thick, bulbous base and long, slender leaves that resemble a ponytail. It’s drought-tolerant and easy to care for.
• Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera): This festive plant blooms beautifully during the holiday season, producing colorful flowers in various shades. It thrives in bright, indirect light.
• Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia): Also known as the watermelon plant, this charming houseplant's leaves feature a striking pattern that resembles the rind of a watermelon. It thrives in indirect light and is safe for cats.

Houseplants that are unsafe for cats

Many house plants and flowers common in bouquets are actually toxic to cats. 

• Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus): Mildly toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• Lilies (Lilium spp.): Extremely toxic; even small amounts can cause kidney failure.
• Aloe vera: While it has many benefits for humans, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats.
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
• Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Mildly toxic. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): Contains compounds known as cardiac glycosides, primarily digoxin and digitoxin, that can affect heart function and may be fatal if ingested.
• Tulips (Tulipa spp.): Toxic to cats, especially the bulbs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing.
• Daffodils (Narcissus spp.): Highly toxic. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, cardiac issues, and potentially fatal outcomes.
• Oxalis (Shamrock Plant): Can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large amounts, lead to kidney damage.

Are spider plants (chlorophytum) toxic to cats?

Spider plants contain no chemical compound that is toxic to cats. However, just because it’s not toxic doesn’t mean you should let your cat eat a significant amount. 

Remember that cats are obligate carnivores, and their diet needs to be primarily meat. Hence, if your cat eats many leaves of a spider plant at once, it will experience gastrointestinal upset due to the fibrous nature of the plant. If you ever have concerns about your cat eating plants, please seek appropriate veterinary care.