Are Spider Plants Toxic to Cats?

No, spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) aren’t poisonous to cats. They are a safe houseplant for homes with cats and dogs. 

Spider plants are popular houseplants known for their long, narrow leaves that arch outward from the center. Their leaves are often green with white or cream-colored stripes, giving them a ribbon-like appearance. 

These plants also produce small offshoots, sometimes called spiderettes, that hang from long stems. These baby plants give spider plants their distinctive look. 

If your cat eats a spider plant, they’ll likely be fine, especially if they only take a small bite. 

However, being nontoxic doesn’t mean your cat should regularly eat the leaves. It’s still best to keep your feline friend from treating your houseplants like a snack.  

Some cats may show no symptoms after chewing on spider plant leaves. Others may experience mild digestive upset, including: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Reduced appetite 
• Nausea 

If your cat only ate a small piece of a spider plant and seems completely normal, you can monitor them at home for any changes in behavior, appetite, or litter box habits. 

Call your vet if your cat: 

• Vomits repeatedly 
• Has ongoing diarrhea 
• Refuses food or water 
• Seems unusually tired or weak 
• Shows signs of pain or discomfort 

Seek emergency veterinary care if your cat has trouble breathing or collapses. 

You should also contact your vet if you’re not 100% certain whether the plant your cat ate was actually a spider plant. Some houseplants look similar but can be toxic to cats. 

If you suspect your cat ate a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) right away.  

Even though spider plants are nontoxic, it’s still a good idea to keep your cat from chewing on them. Not only can repeated nibbling upset your cat’s stomach, but it can also leave your plant looking a little worse for wear. 

Here are a few ways to protect both your cat and your greenery. 

Try placing your spider plant somewhere your cat can’t easily access, such as in a hanging planter or a room your cat doesn’t enter. 

Remember that cats are excellent climbers and jumpers, and many love being up high. A shelf might not be enough if there’s nearby furniture your cat can use to reach the plant. 

Make sure hanging planters are securely attached and don’t have loose cords that could become a hazard. 

If your cat seems interested in chewing on greenery, consider offering cat grass as an alternative. Cat grass typically includes grasses such as wheat, oat, or barley grass grown specifically for cats to nibble. 

Place the cat grass in an easy-to-reach location and encourage your cat to explore it instead of your spider plant. 

Some cats chew on houseplants because they’re bored and looking for something interesting to do. Providing enrichment can help reduce unwanted behaviors like plant-chewing and furniture-scratching. 

Offer your cat different toys like plush mice, crinkle balls, colorful springs, and wand toys. 

Reward your cat with praise or a treat when they choose an appropriate toy instead of your plant, and rotate your cat’s toys to keep playtime interesting. 

Yes! In many cases, a spider plant can grow back after your cat chews on its leaves. 

Spider plants produce new leaves from their central growing area. If that part of the plant and its roots are healthy, the plant may continue growing even after losing several leaves. 

However, the damaged portions of individual leaves won’t repair themselves. Instead, the plant will produce fresh growth. 

If your cat has given your spider plant an unwanted haircut, don’t panic. A few simple steps can help the plant recover: 

• Remove badly damaged leaves. Use clean scissors to trim leaves that are severely torn or broken. Avoid removing too much healthy growth. 
• Provide appropriate light. Place your spider plant in bright, indirect sunlight to support healthy growth. 
• Water carefully. Water when the top layer of soil begins to dry, and make sure the pot drains properly. Avoid keeping the soil constantly soggy. 
• Protect new growth. Move the plant somewhere your cat can’t reach while new leaves develop. 

How quickly your spider plant grows back depends on the amount of damage, growing conditions, and overall plant health. If your cat has eaten nearly all the leaves or damaged the growing center, recovery may take longer and the plant might not survive. 

Yes, spider plants are safe and nontoxic to cats. However, eating the leaves can still cause mild digestive upset. 

Cats may chew spider plants out of curiosity, playfulness, or interest in the long, dangling leaves. If your cat frequently eats plants or other non-food items, talk to your veterinarian. 

Yes. Although spider plants aren’t poisonous, eating their leaves may cause vomiting or other digestive upset. Contact your veterinarian if your cat vomits repeatedly or seems unwell. 

Not necessarily! Spider plants are considered cat-friendly houseplants. If your cat constantly chews on yours, consider moving it out of reach and offering safe alternatives, such as cat grass.