How To Keep It Out Of Reach
Cats are not dogs, and keeping things out of their reach is most difficult. However, if your cat is consistent at eating spider plant excessively and damaging your plant, follow these measures:
- Hang it high enough so that your cat cant reach it.
- The dangling leaves of your spider plant may attract your cat more towards it. Its better to prune it and keep it tidy.
- Distract your cat by growing cat grass and other cat-friendly plants.
Are Spider Plants Toxic To Humans And Pets
Spider plants have some hallucinogenic properties that have a mild effect on felines. However, it is still considered harmless.
According to the ASPCA website, the spider plant is non-toxic to pets, cats included. However, your cats or pets ingesting it is still considered a potential health hazard when consumed beyond certain levels.
That being said, you shouldnt be worried about long-term health effects on your cat. Spider plants are also safe for humans; thus, you should have no qualms about your children being around them.;
However, spider plants have chemical compounds that might induce vomiting and diarrhea in pets and humans. The reactions are mild and occur depending on how cats or individuals react to the ingestion of the plant.
This could be useful for dogs if they need to get a foreign substance out of their system. However, things are likely to get messy.;
Are Spider Plants Bad For Cats To Eat
4.6/5Spider PlantstoxiccatsSpider Plantcatscatsplanteat
Most cats are fastidious creatures and are careful about what they eat. Poisoning in cats is therefore generally rare. It is the young inquisitive cat or kitten that is most at risk of eating harmful plants, particularly household ones. Boredom also has a part to play.
Subsequently, question is, what plants are poisonous to cats? Here’s a list of some common plants that are toxic to cats:
- Amaryllis
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons
- Castor Bean
- Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Mum
- Cyclamen
- Daffodils, Narcissus
Also question is, what is eating my spider plant?
Aphids, mealybugs, Whitefield and spider mites can eat your spider plant, but this can be avoided by misting your plants every once in a while. If the problem worsens, you may use natural insecticides made with vinegar to get rid of them.
Can a spider hurt my cat?
Most spiders, especially small house spiders, are generally harmless to cats. However, any poisonous spider that can harm people can also harm your cat. Because your cat is much smaller than you, venom from a spider bite can do more damage to them than it could to you.
Here’s a look at some of the most toxic foods for cats.
- Onions and Garlic.
- Raw Eggs, Raw Meat & Bones.
- Chocolate and Caffeinated Drinks.
Here are four ways to get your cat to stop eating your houseplants.
Recommended Reading: Why Do Cats Make A Chirping Sound
Keep Your Plants Out Of Reach
This can be easier said than done, but keeping your spider plant out of reach is the most effective way to prevent our cat from eating it. One way to do this is to keep the plant in a room your cat doesnt have access to. Alternatively, you could place is on a ledge they rarely climb, yet this is less effective; cats love climbing and there is nowhere they cant reach with a little determination!
Hanging planters are also another great and equally effective idea. Plus, thanks to the way the leaves and stems fall and droop outwards and downwards, this is one of the most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing ways to display your spider plant anyway. Win-win!
Why Do Cats Eat Spider Plants
Its not because the spider plants have some kind of smell that attracts them, and it also isnt because cats like to play with things dangling above them.
The answer is a silly one, and will even shed some light on why the plants are not so good for cat consumption.
Cats like to eat it because spider plants are mildly hallucinogenic like catnip for example. Spider plants can change the cats behavior and fascination by making the feline more obsessive. In other words spider plants, cats, and a lot of laughter.
You May Like: What Did Lovecraft Name His Cat
Is Spider Plant Poisonous Or Toxic
Fortunately, spider plants are NOT poisonous or toxic.;
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or ASPCA, spider plants are not toxic to cats and dogs.;
While these plants have shown no signs of poisoning, they have hallucinogenic properties.
Felines love to chew on the spider plants foliage because it is mildly hallucinogenic.;
This creates a euphoric sensation similar to the one caused by Catnip plants and is the reason behind your furry friends obsession and fascination with the plant.
Why Do Cats Eat Plants And Should I Be Worried
Im very passionate about educating cat owners on the dangers of houseplants for cats. Thats because my own sisters cat died of acute kidney failure secondary to getting into dangerous Asiatic lilies from a bouquet several years ago.While I want you to know what plants to be wary of, Ill admit that I have at least 10 houseplants in my house. You just need to know which are potentially dangerous to cats as some are very safe. The majority of plants may cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested by cats but not death. Why does my cat eat plants?Personally, I feel like cats are craving a different texture or the feel of fiber in their mouth. Keep in mind that cats are true carnivores; they only really need meat-sourced food. If your cat likes to chew on plants, I recommend purposely growing cat grass for them ; its very safe, but can result in vomiting when ingested.
What plants are the most dangerous for my cat?True lilies of the Lilium or Hemerocallis species are very toxic. Examples of some of these lilies include the following:
- Tiger lilies
- Western lilies
- Wood lilies
All parts of these lilies are highly toxic to cats! Even small ingestions can result in severe, acute kidney failure. Learn more about these lilies here.
- Spider plant
Read Also: Cat Sleeping Pills For Travel
Is Spider Plant Safe For Cats
According to the ASPCA, spider plants are not poisonous to cats. However, since cats often munch on spider plants to settle their stomachs, you may still find vomit now and again.
As mentioned above, even though spider plants are safe for cats, spider plants may make your kitty trip a bit as well. Although the effects are reported to be mild, you should still keep spider plants out of reach. We dont want confused cats getting into accidents, after all!
How To Protect Your Pets From Spider Plant Ingestion
Keep plants out of reach from curious pets, especially if they are children and prone to putting things in their mouth.
Spider plant is a natural source for potassium that could be harmful or fatal when ingested by cats in large quantities.
Cats need only half the amount of potassium humans do; too much can lead to fatal heart arrhythmia.
If you grow spider plant, be sure not to fertilize with potassium fertilizer and avoid watering the plants in warm weather when cats are most active.
Also, spider plants are usually found in hanging baskets in most homes; hence, another way of keeping them away from your pets is to keep them as high as possible so it becomes out of reach from your cats.
In other words, keep them away from places where cats can easily climb, such as furniture or windowsills. You also want to do the same with any other potentially threatening plant such as philodendron.
Also Check: Little Alchemy How To Make Cat
Bird Of Paradise Flower
- Common names:Crane flower, bird’s tongue flower
- Toxic to: Cats, dogs, horses
- Symptoms: mild nausea, vomiting, drowsiness
- Note: Poisoning is caused mainly by the fruit and seeds. This species should not be confused with Caesalpinia or Poinciana gilliesii, both of which are also known as bird of paradise and are more toxic.
What Are The Symptoms Caused By Spider Plant In Cats
The most common symptoms indicating your cat loves to nibble on the spider plant include wild or jumpy behavior.;
Since felines enjoy the mild hallucinogenic;effect of this plant, it puts them at a risk of ingesting too much.
If you find loose or watery stools in your pets litter box, this is probably a tell-tale sign.;
Excessive ingestion of the spider plants can make your cat sick.;
Symptoms like an upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea, might also be caused by opium-like chemical;compounds.
If you see your cat is in pain, check for bite marks on the spider plant.
You May Like: How To Draw Pete The Cat
Repel Them With Scent
Cats have an extremely good sense of smell and you can use this to repel them from specific areas or objects in your home such as your spider plant! As their sense of smell is enhanced, strong and powerful smells can be extremely overwhelming and offputting. Examples of smells that cats hate include citrus, coffee, lavender, chili, mustard, mint, and rosemary.
With this in mind, try placing orange peel in the flower pot or on the shelf where you are keeping your plant. This will release a citrus scent that your cat will hate, helping to encourage them to keep their distance. Placing old coffee grinds in the soil is another effective solution.
A Few Plants That Are Indeed Toxic To Your Cats
As a cat owner, before bringing a new plant home it is important to know which plants are safe and which ones are poisonous to your cats.
For that reason, here is a shortlist of common house plants that are indeed poisonous to cats. For a complete list please visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website found;here.
- Aloe
- Azaleas
- Rhododendrons
Once again, this list is by no means complete, please consult the above website for more details.
You may also enjoy reading: Do spider plants like to be root bound?
Don’t Miss: How To Remove Old Cat Urine From Hardwood Floors
Spider Plant Toxicity: What Parts Are Poisonous
The long foliage and the small flowers dangling from a hanging basket in spring are the only parts of the spider plant exposed to cats.;
Hence, these usually become a snack for them.;
While none of these parts are toxic, they contain chemical substances associated with opium found in poppy crops.;
Grazing on these plants can result in the ingestion of these chemicals, resulting in mild hallucinations and other symptoms.
Learn about the Mother-In-Laws Tongue being Poisonous to Cats
My Dog Ate A Spider Plant
If you dog eats a few spider plant leaves, theres no real reason for concern. If they have eaten the whole plant though, I would certainly book a consult with a vet.
Within a few hours, your dog is likely to start feeling the effects of eating leaves and could start vomiting and having stomach upsets.
If you want to stop the behaviour, look at the next section as Ive listed some tips on how you can stop dogs eating your house plants completely.
Also Check: How To Make Cat In Little Alchemy
Is Spider Plant Toxic
Despite the hallucinogenic features, this plant is harmless. Cats can pretty much eat however much they want without you needing to worry about the possible side effects. There may be some toxicity level, but it is a crazy-high amount that no cat will willingly eat. There could be a problem if your cat only eats spider plants, but as long as theyre also eating other things, they will be fine.
This is less of an issue of toxins, though, and more that cats shouldnt be living off of this plant alone. It doesnt provide for their nutritional needs, and therefore cats dont need to consume only spider plants. It may make them feel good, but it isnt nutritionally complete. Luckily, we have no evidence of any cat that ever chose to eat spider plant instead of its cat food, so this is likely a problem you dont have to worry about.
Possible Reasons Cats Love Houseplants
A cat may like the taste of one plant, but ignore others. Perhaps your cat enjoys the feeling of euphoria that some plants like catnip and the spider plant provide. He may have an upset stomach, and eating some plant tissue helps him vomit, relieving the discomfort. Or he may just be playing with your houseplants for the sheer fun of it: shredding the foliage with his teeth, kicking the soil out of the pots and knocking the whole thing off its shelf with a terrific crash.
Recommended Reading: Why Would The Cat Talk Rick And Morty
Signs Your Cat Has Eaten Your Spider Plant
Even if you try your best to keep your cat away from your spider plants, sometimes they persist and manage to take a bite. As spider plant toxicity is not possible, this isnt the end of the world. Your cat may have an upset stomach or seem a little more excitable, but it is nothing to worry about as they are not poisonous.
That being said, it is sometimes good to know that your cat has ingested some of the spider plant to give you peace of mind that their sickness or changes in behavior are not down to anything more serious. Here are the signs and symptoms that you can look out for:
- Diarrhea or more watery stools in their litter box
- Vomiting if an excess of the plant has been ingested
- Jumpy and excitable behavior immediately after eating it
- Signs of stomach discomfort, such as lethargy or loss of appetite
- Bite marks on the leaves of the spider plant
How To Stop Your Dog Eating Spider Plants
As well as having a potentially sick dog to content with, its about protecting your house plants too. After all, you bought them to improve your Feng Shui and air quality, not to be a convenient plant-based snack for your aspirational vegan dog.
And heres how you can protect your house plants from your little muncher next time
Don’t Miss: How Many Years Is One Year For A Cat
Why Do Cats Like Spider Plants
Some people believe that cats may be attracted to spider plants because the long leaves resemble grass, which cats eat to help settle their stomachs.
Others claim that it has to do with spider plants producing compounds similar to opium, which causes the cats to get a high like they do with catnip! Whatever causes the fascination, cats just cant get enough of spider plants.;
Is Spider Plant Toxic To Pets
This article may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using my link.
The popular spider plant, also known as the ribbon plant, is a safe houseplant for pets. Its non-toxic to cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and many other domestic pets.
However, its best to ensure your pet doesnt nibble on the plant to avoid the diarrhea and vomit inducing chemicals it carries.
Houseplants are great additions to a home because they have many beneficial qualities. Apart from improving the aesthetic of your house, they also purify the air, boost your mood, ease stress, and more.
However, some indoor plants such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig are unsafe to bring into a home with pets because of their poisonous properties. Even the smallest bite can be dangerous for your fur babies.
Luckily, the spider plant doesnt fall into that category as its one of many houseplants safe for pets. Whether you have a cat, dog, or hamster, this plant is guaranteed to live in harmony with your little friend.
Still, its good to know as much as you can before you introduce the plant into your home. Read further to learn about the potential pitfalls to expect when you have a spider plant and a pet in the same home.
Recommended Reading: Can You Sedate A Cat For Travel
Common Plants And Flowers That Are Poisonous To Cats
Many toxic plants are irritants: they cause localized inflammation of the skin, mouth, stomach, etc. The toxic principle in other plants may have a systemic effect and damage or alter the function of a cats organs, like the kidney or heart.
Heres a list of some common plants that are toxic to cats:;
- Amaryllis
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons
- Castor Bean
- Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Mum
- Cyclamen
- Lily of the Valley
- Pothos, Devils Ivy
- Sago Palm
You can also visit the Pet Poison Helpline site for their;Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets, and the ASPCA for their extensive list of;Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.
How To Keep Your Cat Safe From Spider Plants
Although spider plants are non-toxic, not poisonous, and dont pose a major health risk for felines, it is still advisable to keep the plant away from your cat. Eating too much can make them feel unwell, and because of how much cats like spider plants, this can happen more often than you think!
Here are some tips on keeping your feline away from your spider plant to ensure they stay healthy and feel well at all times.
Read Also: How To Draw Pete The Cat Easy
Feline Stimulants & Hallucinogens
There are also some plants that cats chew on like a drug. Most people are aware of the effects of catnip on cats drooling, playfulness, and utterly bonkers behavior. Its said that the effects are similar to those of marijuana or LSD in humans but will only last about ten minutes. Catnip affects only 50% of cats.
There are a couple of other plants that affect cats in a similar way. These include valerian root, which is grown as a natural sleep aid for people and spider plants. One of my cats doesnt react to catnip but does show interest in Valerian. The other loves both and I sometimes find him chewing on my spider plant too.