Plants called spider plants ( Chlorophytum comosum) are very popular as plants for the home due to their ease of maintenance and accessibility to growth. Are they toxic to pets and cats? It’s good that the spider plant is considered non-toxic for dogs and cats, which is adequate for the ASPCA. 1 So you can enjoy this plant in your home without worrying about your pet getting sick or going to the veterinarian. If your pet consumes much and is ill, the animal could suffer discomfort. Read on to learn more about the spider plant and ways to ensure your pet stays away from your houseplant’s hanging.
What Happens When a Cat Eats a Spider Plant?
It’s important to remember that being non-toxic to spider plants for cats does not mean you shouldn’t allow your cat to devour the spider plants. Cats shouldn’t consume large quantities of plants. Like other plants’ ingestion, when cats ingest massive amounts of a plant, it could create an upset stomach or even vomiting. 2 With this being said, removing your spider plant from your cat’s reach is best. This is particularly true when your cat is known to consume the leaves or roots of your house plants.
Warning
If you believe that cats have eaten some or all of the spider plants in your garden, ensure you are watching the cat. Even though it’s non-toxic, your cat might suffer from some gastrointestinal discomfort, mainly if a substantial amount is consumed. 1 It is crucial to call your veterinarian immediately if you own several houseplants at home and believe your cat has eaten from a toxic plant since some of them can be fatal. 3
Why Do Cats Like Spider Plants?
While cats aren’t designed to consume large quantities of plant matter, it’s widespread for them to be chewing on plants or grass. If your cat is in a cage and cannot get grass outside, he may see that spider plant as a readily available alternative in place of grass.
In addition to satisfying the desire for greens, the form of the plant’s spider can be highly appealing to a cat. The leaves are spiky and sloshing, while the leaves of the plant seem as if they are dangling from a cat toy. When your plants produce those offshoots, it’s unsurprising that your cat would like to play with it and even nibble the spit.
How to Prevent Your Cat From Eating Your Spider Plant
How do you stop your curious cat from destroying a plant attracted by its long, sharp leaves and offshoots that dangle? Below are some suggestions to ensure the safety of your spider plant and your other plants.
One excellent method to protect your plant is placing it inside the form of a pot hanging by the ceiling. The plant is positioned sufficiently high so that cats cannot reach it. This is excellent if the plant is kept from nearby furniture, such as shelves or an armchair. Because cats are known to climb, any adjacent furniture might allow the cat to grab those dangling branches from the spider plant.
Furthermore, you may reduce the attraction of a spider plant by giving your cat other dangling items. For example, you could give your cat a playing structure with hanging toys for bats.
Optimal Plants for Cats to Nibble
If your cat wants to play with grass, you can make a feline nip or give it unique cat grass dishes. They are easy to cultivate and can be consumed by cats. It’s a fantastic feature for your cat to enjoy in addition to protecting your home plants.
Other Houseplants That Are Safe for Cats
The following varieties of houseplants are appropriate for keeping when you own an animal in your home:
- African violets ( Saintpaulia)
- Boston Ferns ( Nephrolepis)
- Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
- Venus Fly trap ( Dionaea muscipula)
- Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
- Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Orchids ( Orchidaceae)
- Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
Plants That Are Toxic to Cats
Avoid the following houseplants and cut flowers in all circumstances. If you own a cat:
- Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
- Alocasia “Elephant’s Ear” ( Alocasiaspp.)
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- The snake plant ( Dracaena trifasciata)
- Sago palms (Cycas revoluta)
- English Ivy ( Hedera helix)
- Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
- Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
- Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)