Plant safety · 2 min read

Are Spider plants toxic to cats?

Yes — usually safe

Yes. Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are safe for cats. Mild digestive upset possible if a cat eats a lot, but they're non-toxic.

What's the full picture?

Spider plants are one of the safest common houseplants around cats. They aren't poisonous and are often chewed by cats who like the dangling, grass-like leaves.

Some mild mood changes or excitability have been reported anecdotally — the plant contains small amounts of substances that may have mildly psychoactive effects similar to catnip in some cats. This isn't dangerous.

Large amounts can cause vomiting simply from the volume of plant material, but spider plants are a safe choice for a cat household.

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.

If you're worried right now

Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet first. For poison advice, the Animal PoisonLine (UK) is on 01202 509000 — 24/7, charges apply. Your vet can also call the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) directly.

African violets yes Boston ferns yes Catnip yes Orchids yes

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

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