Are Spider plants toxic to cats?
No — safe. 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 (Chlorophytum comosum) are one of the most genuinely cat-safe houseplants available — they appear on both the ASPCA non-toxic plant list (listed as Chlorophytum comosum). 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 indigestible leaf fiber.
Cats are drawn to spider plants because they contain chemical compounds that produce a mild effect similar to catnip — thought to be related to alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors. The effect is mild and harmless, but it means cats will actively seek them out. Hanging the plant from the ceiling or placing it on a high shelf prevents leaf damage if your cat is a persistent chewer.
The most common scenario: a cat chews several spider plant leaves and vomits once. This looks alarming but is the plant's mild laxative effect, not toxicity. If your cat vomits once and then seems fine, no vet visit is needed. If vomiting is repeated 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 or wheatgrass) as a designated chewable. Cats with their own plant to chew are much less likely to bother your other houseplants.
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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.
If you love the look but not the risk, pet-safe artificial plants are indistinguishable on a shelf and completely nibble-proof.
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About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published US veterinary toxicology sources — AAFP, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA APCC) references, AVMA-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 US 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 ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 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 Cat Ate It editorial team