Is Spider Plant Toxic to Cats?

Is spider plant toxic to cats?

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is non-toxic to cats and is safe to grow in homes with cats.

About spider plants

• Botanical name: Chlorophytum comosum
• Common names: Spider plant, Airplane plant, Ribbon plant, St. Bernard’s lily, Spider ivy
  
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats

The spider plant is a common ornamental houseplant native to Africa that is popular for its ease of care and attractive striped foliage. Mature spider plants can reach a size of 2 to 2 1/2 feet wide. The long, slender leaves grow from the centre of the plant and spread to surrounding areas. Spider plants get their name from the small plantlets (pups) produced on long trailing stems that resemble spiders. Propagation is easy, by cutting the pups off the stems and planting directly into soil.

Some cats can become quite obsessed with spider plants. On a personal note, I had to remove mine and put it outside as the cats were destroying it, they did the same with my ponytail palm. Many cats are attracted to the plants with long slender leaves.

Related: Plants non-toxic to cats

Care

The spider plant is resistant to almost all pests and diseases, it likes to grow in partial sun to partial shade. Water when the top 3 cm of soil has dried out.

While the spider plant may be non-toxic to cats, fertilisers and pest control used on or around the plant may be potentially toxic. Many cats find the ribbon-like leaves appealing to chew on and the pups make a great toy (well, to my cats at least).

If you find your plant is being destroyed by the cat, consider a hanging basket or moving it to a room the cat cannot access.

Is spider plant a mild hallucinogen to cats?

According to multiple websites, the spider plant is mildly hallucinogenic to cats. Unfortunately, there are no references to actual studies to validate this claim. My own non-scientific attempt to see this holds some merit didn’t seem to back up this claim on any of the four cats offered spider plant.