Can Cats Eat Spider Plants?

Do you have a spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) in your home? If so, is your cat eating it? Believe it or not, many cats enjoy eating these common houseplants.

But can cats eat spider plants safely? Or are spider plants poisonous to cats?

In this blog post, I’ll answer all of your questions about cats and spider plants! So let’s dive in!

Can Cats Eat Spider Plants? Are They Toxic?

Let’s start with the main question since that’s likely why you are here.

Are spider plants toxic to cats?

The short answer is no. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals addresses spider plant toxicity. They say that it is not considered toxic to cats or dogs.

So if you notice your cat has nibbled a bit on your spider plant (aka airplane plant or ribbon plant), there’s no need to panic!

However, spider plants may cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. So if you notice your cat chowing down on a spider plant, it’s best to keep an eye on her. If she starts showing signs of illness or discomfort, then contact your veterinarian immediately.

What Is It About Cats and Spider Plants?

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So, what is it about spider plants that attracts cats?

That’s a good question. There are several theories, but I’m not sure anyone knows definitively.

It could be that spider plant leaves resemble grass. Cats (and dogs) eat grass to settle their stomachs. So if you catch your cat nibbling on your spider plant, she may be trying to self-medicate for an upset stomach.

Another possibility is that the spider plant contains chemicals similar to opium that create a hallucinogenic effect. If that’s true, then it’s a lot like catnip! That would certainly explain why cats like to eat them!

And finally, your cat may just be looking for some entertainment. Every cat owner knows how curious these little guys can get!

And spider plants have long, arching foliage, and mature plants send out long stems with flowers and spiderettes. Those would be fun to play with – kind of like string. And nibbling on the leaves is part of the fun.

What Happens if My Cat Eats Spider Plants?

Of course, even if you try keeping your cats away from your indoor plants, they may still end up eating them.

As I mentioned, If your cat eats a small amount of spider plant, there’s no need to panic.

However, eating a significant amount can result in an upset stomach.

If you notice your cat nibbling on your spider plants, watch their behavior. If they get stomach problems or lethargy, contact your vet immediately.

How Can I Prevent My Cat From Eating Spider Plants?

Obviously, you don’t want your cat to keep eating your plants. But what can you do? Here are a few ideas:

Move It to a Higher Location

 If your cat can’t reach the plant, she can’t eat it! So a high shelf may be the perfect spot.

Prune off the Dangly Bits

Cut off any long stems with spiderettes. Those dangling spiderettes can be hard for a cat to resist. (Bonus: you can use them to start new plants!)

Use Hanging Baskets

This will make reaching the plants harder for your cat. But, of course, you’ll still need to keep the plants out of areas where your cat tends to climb.

Use a Repellent Spray on the Plant

There are quite a few commercial training sprays you can buy, or you can make your own. One popular recipe is to mix water and lemon juice in a spray bottle. Then, simply spray it on the plant’s leaves. Cats don’t like citrus, so this should work to discourage your kitty, and it won’t harm the plant.

Dust It With Chili Powder

Another way to encourage your cat to avoid spider plants (or any other plant) is to sprinkle chili powder on the leaves. Just be careful not to get the powder on your furniture or carpet, as it can cause stains that can be hard to remove.

Keep the Plant in Another Room

The best way to prevent your cat from eating plants is by putting them in an area of the house where your cat doesn’t have access.

9 Popular Houseplants That Are Harmful to Cats

While spider plants are safe for cats, many houseplants can be harmful. Some of the most common include:

• Lily – All lilies (think Asiatic lilies, Easter lilies, lily of the valley, etc.) are poisonous to cats and dogs. Ingesting them can lead to kidney failure.
• Peace lily – The peace lily (not a true lily) is a common flowering houseplant containing calcium oxalates that are toxic to cats.
• Monstera deliciosa – Monstera deliciosa is a tropical houseplant that contains insoluble calcium oxalates, making it highly toxic to cats.
• Snake plant – The snake plant is a well-known houseplant that is good for low light conditions and improving air quality; however, it is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
• Philodendron– Philodendrons are popular and easy to care for houseplants, but they do have a mild-to-moderate level of toxicity for cats and dogs.
• Jade plant – Jade plants are succulents that are easy to grow, but they are toxic to cats.
• Aloe – Although aloe vera is known for its health benefits for people, it contains a compound that is toxic to cats.
• Fiddle Leaf Fig – Fiddle leaf fig is a super popular indoor plant, but it has calcium oxalates that can be toxic to pets.
• Begonia – All begonias, including houseplants such as Polka Dot Begonia, are toxic to dogs and cats.

Symptoms of toxic plant poisoning in cats can include mental dullness, drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, loss of appetite, and changes in the urine. Contact your vet immediately if you think your cat has ingested a dangerous plant.

Wrapping Up

Cats are curious creatures and often nibble on plants to see if they’re edible. While some plants are safe for cats, others can be harmful. If you have houseplants, it’s important to know which ones are safe and which ones to keep out of reach of your feline friend.

I hope this article has helped answer the question, “are spider plants okay for cats to eat?” Until next time, happy plant parenting!

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