Are Spider Plants Poisonous to Cats?

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If you’re a cat owner did you know that it’s important to do your research before bringing any new plants into your home? One of the plants cats love is Spider Plants so we need to know if Spider plants are poisonous to cats.

I learned that lesson myself when we brought home two new kitties and they started to nibble on my plants.

Spider plants were their favorite, so that made me wonder if Spider plants are poisonous to cats.

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We had had a cat for 18 years before and had no issues. She lived to a ripe old age and went to sleep a couple of years ago.

She never, ever bothered any of my plants so it came as a complete surprise when these new kitties decided to try and chew on my indoor plant collection.

Cats are curious creatures, and they’ll chew on just about anything. So, if you’re thinking about getting a spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) or you have spider plants and you are thinking of getting a cat, you also might be wondering: are spider plants poisonous to cats?

Tabby cats looking out the door

Are Spider Plants Poisonous to Cats?

The answer is a little bit complicated. Spider plants are not technically poisonous to cats.

So what happens if a cat eats a spider plant?

They will suffer from an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, gastrointestinal irritation happens only if eaten in larger quantities.

Cat behind plants in window

Why are Cats Attracted to Spider Plants

I thought it was the many Spider plantlets that hung down and dangled in the air making the cats think it was something to play with but doing a touch of research taught me something.

While the ASPCA lists Spider Plants as non-toxic for both dogs and cats, it’s important to note that the plant is mildly hallucinogenic – which may be why our cats are so attracted to it.

So Spider Plants can be a bit like Catnip in attracting your furry friends.

Cats are smart and once they get a bit high eating some of your Spider plants they will keep going back to it for more. They like feeling good but they don’t know that it can cause them tummy upset.

Cat on potting bench with tulip

Tips for stopping cats from eating spider plants

For us, it was part of their training. We would squirt the cats with water each time they climbed on furniture or countertops we did not wish them to be on.

Because most of my plants are on high shelves, table tops etcetera this kept them off surfaces where they could reach the plants.

If they tried to nibble a plant within reach (I have other plants not toxic or poisonous on lower surfaces) we sprayed them with water and now they no longer even try to nibble any plants inside our home.

We work from home so it was easy for us to do this throughout the day but if you work and your new kitty is home alone for long hours you can use a natural repellent spray that makes the plants undesirable to your pets.

Clear the air with indoor plants, Spider plant babies or plantlets, FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

As a general rule of thumb, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to plants and pets. With that said, as long as you take some basic precautions, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy both spider plants and cats in your home!

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