Having a Snake Plant indoors alongside furry cats is always for the best, as it is not toxic and has a hallucinating effect similar to the cat nip.
Scroll till the end to understand why cats love Spider Plants and how to keep both of them happy.
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Is the Spider Plant Toxic to Cats?
Spider Plant, native to tropical forests of South Africa, is a popular herbaceous perennial houseplant for its green leaves with white stripes.
More than 417 plants are toxic to cats, enlisted by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. But rest assured, as the Spider plant is not included in that list.
However, excessive accidental consumption of Spider Plants can cause stomach distress and vomiting.
Similarly, your cats are vulnerable to fertilizers or insecticides applied to protect the Spider Plant.
Pet Poison Helpline states that fertilizer constituents can mildly or severely harm your cats depending on the ingestion dosage.
Also, there are always chances of cats choking on Spider Plants’ leaves.
Therefore, keeping the Spider Plant away from your cats might be a much safer option, although it is non-toxic.
Do Cats Like to Eat Spider Plants?
Cats are curious creatures that profoundly love exploring every corner of the place.
And interestingly, the dangling leaves of the Spider Plant weirdly inspire cats to play with it and eat it as well.
Cats have an amusing affinity towards dangly objects or perhaps hanging plants.
Meanwhile, similar to Catnip’s effects, the Spider Plant is believed to release chemicals that stir up cats’ curiosity.
Domesticated cats can get bored quickly. And out of sheer boredom, they may play with the Spider Plant.
Moreover, doctors at the Animal Hospital states that grass munching helps animals expel intestinal parasites and calm down their gastrointestinal tract.
So, cats can eat plant leaves to ease stomach discomfort by killing off intestinal parasites.
Cats are weirdly attracted to the Spider Plant regardless of the absolute reasoning.
How to Keep Cats Away From Spider Plant?
Trust me, keeping these curious cats away from the Spider Plant is way too trickier and more challenging.
One might even say you must devise a perfect plan to keep your Spider Plants untouched.
So, here are some tips to help you devise a plan.
- Use hanging baskets: Hanging baskets at a higher height where cats have no ways to reach will ensure no cat invasion. It will showcase beautiful spiderettes of the Spider Plants much more elegantly.
- Apply cat deterrents: Cats hate strong scents, so apply cat deterrent sprays around the plant to keep them away. Citrus, Peppermint oil also works like a charm.
- Grow cat grass: Give cats something to eat when their grass hunger kicks in. The best option is to use cat grass that is edible and healthy for cats.
- Entertain your cat: Ensure to play with your cat daily so they won’t feel bored and do something stupid like eating Spider Plants.
- Place sticky tapes: Cats avoid stepping on surfaces that stick to their paws. So, strategically place deterrent tapes with the gluey side upward, and it will do the work.
- Spray Neem oil: Use Neem oil to keep cats and pests at bay simultaneously.
- Keep plants in a separate room: Make a separate room for your plants and lock them so your cats can’t invade plants.
If your cat eats Spider Plant even after all the protection and needs professional help, call your regular veterinarian or the immediate helpline number.
- American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) at (888) 222-1222
- ASPCA Poison Center at (800) 426-4435
FAQs About Spider Plant Toxic to Cats
Are Spider Plants pet friendly?
Spider Plants are famous as ideal indoor plants for their abundance of benefits, with pet-friendly being on top of the list.
The Spider Plant is even safe the dogs and cats. So rest assured and bring one home but do not let them eat the plant in excess, as it can still induce stomach discomfort.
Will my Spider Plant grow back if my cat ate it?
Your Spider Plant may grow back if it has not been dug out from the pot for longer. Under proper care and maintenance, the leaves can still rebound.
However, if the situation is not in your favor, go for repotting the Spider Plant and try to give it the care a new plant demands.
To Sum It Up
Spider Plant is one of the ideal houseplants that adds aesthetic vibes to the room while being pet friendly and non-toxic at the same time.
However, you need not let your cat eat them casually, as it can still lead to an upset stomach.
