Cats are their natural enemy, and Spider Plants pose a danger because they can attract them.
If your cat loves Spider Plants, he’ll probably eat at least one of them.
You should learn what to do if you discover that your spider plant has suffered a withered sip of its purple liquid.
So, can cats eat spider plants? Spider plants are great for home decorating and purifying the air.
However, whether cats can eat spider plants is controversial. Some sources claim that spider plants can kill cats because they contain calcium oxalate crystals.
However, other sources say that cat owners shouldn’t worry because cats can’t actually digest calcium oxalate crystals and they won’t harm a cat’s health.
Therefore, cat owners can rest easy knowing that cats can eat spider plants safely.
Can Cats Eat Spider Plants?
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are an interesting plant to be growing in your home because they can grow either indoors or outdoors and do well in diverse environments such as dry, humid, and sunny spots.
However, most people don’t know that they are also safe to be eaten by cats.
Cats love eating leaves from this plant because of the high fiber content; it also helps regulate their digestive systems.
Some cats even love to eat the entire plant. Cats may not drink the water from this plant, so it is best to use a spray bottle to water the plant instead.
However, some cats may have allergic reactions to the spider plants. If your cat has an adverse reaction, then it is best to remove the plant from your home.
Are Spider Plants Poisonous To Cats?
Spider plants, also called airplane plants, are tropical plants that grow usually in hanging baskets or in tall pots.
These plants grow leaves in a spiral pattern on long stalks, making them look like spider legs.
These plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night, making them good indoor plants. However, these plants are not poisonous to cats, but cats can’t eat them even if they taste good.
Cats and spider plants are enemies. Spider plants grow in hanging pots or baskets, making them attractive to cats.
When cats bite the leaves of spider plants, they release a sticky sap that can cause irritation and rashes.
Cats may tear the spider plants down out of curiosity and eat them. Some cats may also eat spider plants if they are sick, which is not recommended because it can make their condition worse.
What Happens if My Cat Eats Spider Plants?
Even if you try keeping your cats away from your beautiful and healthy looking houseplants, they might still find a way to access them.
If your cat eats a small part of a leaf from the plant without causing any skin reactions, then you don’t need to worry too much because chances are that the plant will be digested naturally by your cat’s stomach juices.
However, eating a significant part of the leaf from the plant can cause an allergic reaction on your cat’s skin that can lead to itching and inflammation.
If you notice your cat suffering from these signs after biting on a leaf of a spider plant, then it may be a good idea to take your pet to the vet for proper treatment.
If they get stomach cramps after ingesting parts of a spider web plant, then you should take your pet to the vet immediately because this can be a sign of poisoning.
How Can I Prevent My Cat From Eating Spider Plants?
Keep the Plant in Another Room
The best way to prevent your cat from eating spider plants is by making sure that the plant is out of reach for your feline friends.
Dust It With Chili Powder
Another way to encourage your cat to avoid your houseplants is to dust the plants with chili powder.
Just be careful not to get the powder on you or your pet’s eyes or fur because this can be irritating to skin.
Use a Repellent Spray on the Plant
There are quite a few commercial repellent sprays that you can use on your houseplants to discourage cat attacks.
One popular recipe is to spray a mixture of one tablespoon each of cayenne pepper and water on your potted houseplant once a day for 10 days.
Then, simply spray the repellent mixture once a day until your plants no longer attract cat attention.
Cats don’t like citrus, so this should discourage them from biting the leaves of your houseplants.
Use Hanging Baskets
This will make reaching for your lovely hanging flowers difficult for the cats.
But, of course, you’ll still need to keep a close eye on these pets to make sure that they don’t try to eat the plant.
Prune off the Dangly Bits
Cut off any leaves that are dangling down from the edge of your pot or basket as these are very attractive to cats.
Those dangling spiderettes can end up in the mouths of curious cats and encourage them to eat the plant.
Move It to a Higher Location
If your cat can’t reach it, it’s less likely to eat the leaves from your spider plants.
So a high shelf or a windowsill is usually a good solution to keep your cat away from your spider plants.
Will Spider Plants Kill Cats?
Although spider plants are supposed to be non-toxic to cats, the calcium oxalate crystals found in the plant’s foliage may cause intestinal blockage or irritation to your cat’s sensitive stomach.
If your cat eats a large amount of the plant, this can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Therefore, you should not assume that spider plants are safe to be eaten by your feline friends. If a person suspects that their pet has ingested parts of this plant, then they should immediately contact a veterinarian for help.
If your cat consumes enough spider plant foliage to cause irritation to the stomach, then it may cause mild discomfort for a few hours.
Is My Cat Allergic to Spider Plants?
If your cat is having an allergic reaction to the spider plants in your home, then you may want to take the cats to the vet immediately for an check-up.
The vet may decide to put your cat on medication to treat the allergy; however, it will require your cat to have regular tests to find out if the medication is working properly.
Also Read: Why Do Cats Eat Spider Webs?
Final Words
It’s tough to keep a houseplant away from a chewing pet, and therefore, you will need to keep an eye on your pet while they’re around your houseplant.
Despite the fact that spider plants are harmless to cats, letting your feline friend chew on the leaves may lead to vomiting and diarrhea in your pet.
So, instead of putting your plant at risk, try to keep your cat away from the plant to prevent them from eating the plant.
