Are Spider plants toxic to cats?
Yes. Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are safe for cats. Mild digestive upset possible if a cat eats a lot, but they're non-toxic.
Key facts
- Verdict: Yes — generally safe for cats in the context described below.
- Category: Safe houseplant
What's the full picture?
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are one of the most genuinely cat-safe houseplants available. They appear on both International Cat Care (ICC) safe plant guidance and international veterinary non-toxic plant lists. If your cat eats spider plant leaves, you can expect mild vomiting or loose stools at worst — not from toxicity, but from the plant's mild laxative compounds and the indigestible leaf fibre.
Cats are often drawn to spider plants because they contain chemical compounds that produce a mild hallucinogenic effect similar to catnip — thought to be related to alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors. The effect is mild and harmless, but it does mean cats will actively seek them out to nibble. Hanging the plant from a ceiling hook or placing it on a high shelf is the practical solution if your cat is eating the leaves frequently.
The most common real-world scenario: a cat chews several spider plant leaves and then vomits. This looks alarming but is almost always the plant's mild laxative effect, not toxicity. If your cat vomits once and then seems fine and interested in food, no vet visit is needed. If vomiting is repeated, prolonged, or accompanied by lethargy, contact your vet to rule out other causes.
If you want your cat to have a safe plant to chew on, grow a pot of cat grass (oat grass, wheatgrass, or barley grass) nearby. Cats with their own designated chewable are much less likely to bother your other plants. Cat grass is completely non-toxic and the grass blades help with hairball passage.
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Questions owners ask
Do spider plants get cats 'high'?
Some cats do seem particularly drawn to spider plants in a way reminiscent of catnip. The effect is mild and harmless.
Is it safe to let my cat chew spider plant leaves?
Yes, in small amounts. You may want to protect the plant rather than the cat — cats can strip spider plants over time.
Why does my cat keep eating my spider plant?
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) contain compounds similar to those in opium — mildly hallucinogenic in the same way as catnip. Cats are drawn to nibble them. The good news: they're non-toxic. The bad news: eating a lot of leaves can cause vomiting or diarrhoea from the fibrous material. Try hanging the plant out of reach, or provide a pot of cat grass as a safer chewing alternative.
Are spider plants safe for cats — I've heard conflicting advice?
Yes, spider plants are on the UK's ICC list of safe houseplants and international veterinary non-toxic plant lists. The conflicting advice often comes from the fact that cats do sometimes vomit after eating them — but this is from the plant's mild laxative effect and physical bulk, not from any toxin. Non-toxic doesn't mean side-effect-free.
Is Chlorophytum comosum toxic to cats?
No — Chlorophytum comosum (the spider plant) is non-toxic to cats and appears on every major cat-safe plant list. Cats are drawn to it and may nibble the leaves; eating a large amount can cause mild, short-lived stomach upset, but there is no poisoning risk.
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Related
Sources referenced for this guidance
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) — UK clinical toxicology reference used by vets
- International Cat Care — feline-specific clinical guidance
- BSAVA — British Small Animal Veterinary Association reference materials
- Merck Veterinary Manual — professional veterinary reference
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for UK cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team