Is Spider Plant Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Good news for once: no. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA. It's one of the safest common houseplants you can own — which is exactly why it's the go-to swap for toxic trailing plants like pothos. There's one small caveat worth knowing, though.
Quick verdict
Toxic? No — non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA-confirmed).
Any risk? Very low. Overeating any plant can cause mild, temporary stomach upset, but spider plant itself isn't poisonous.
The quirk: cats are oddly attracted to spider plants and love to bat and chew the dangling plantlets.
What is a spider plant, exactly?
Spider plant is Chlorophytum comosum — arching, grass-like leaves (often striped cream and green) that send out long stems tipped with baby plantlets, or "spiderettes." It tolerates low light, missed waterings and general neglect, and it's cheap and easy to propagate, which is why it's everywhere — and a favourite recommendation for pet homes.
Why do cats love spider plants?
If your cat is obsessed with yours, you're not imagining it. The dangling plantlets move like prey, which triggers the batting-and-chewing instinct. There's also a long-standing claim that spider plants are mildly hallucinogenic to cats, similar to catnip — this is widely repeated but not well established scientifically. What's clear from the ASPCA is that the plant is non-toxic, so the attraction isn't a safety problem.
Is there any downside?
Two small ones:
- Mild stomach upset from overeating. Any plant, even a non-toxic one, can cause a bit of vomiting if a pet gorges on it — it's fibre the gut isn't built for, not poison.
- Your plant takes the damage. A determined cat can shred the leaves and rip off plantlets. Hanging it keeps both the plant and the peace.
If your pet vomits once after a chewing session and is otherwise bright and normal, that's the expected mild reaction. Repeated vomiting or lethargy is unusual for spider plant and worth a vet call — it may point to something else they got into.
Sure it's a spider plant?
A few toxic plants have grassy, striped leaves too. If you want to be certain before you relax, snap a photo and Nature Lenz confirms the exact species in seconds. Free, no paywall.
Get the free app →Pet-safe plants that pair well with it
If you're building a genuinely pet-safe collection, spider plant sits alongside these ASPCA non-toxic picks:
See our full list of cat-safe houseplants verified against the ASPCA.
The bottom line
Spider plant is a green light — non-toxic, near-indestructible, and one of the best choices for a home with curious pets. Hang it if your cat is a chewer, mostly to protect the plant. If you're replacing something toxic like pothos or a philodendron, this is the closest safe stand-in for that trailing look.
FAQs
Are spider plants safe for cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) as non-toxic to cats. Cats are often drawn to the dangling plantlets and may chew them, but the plant won't poison them. Overeating can cause mild, temporary stomach upset, as any plant can.
Why is my cat obsessed with the spider plant?
The dangling plantlets move like prey and trigger batting and chewing. There's also a popular claim that spider plants are mildly hallucinogenic to cats like catnip — repeated often but not scientifically established. Either way, the ASPCA confirms it's non-toxic, so the fascination is harmless.
Can spider plants make cats sick at all?
Only mildly, and only from overeating — a cat that gorges on the leaves may vomit once because of the plant fibre, not poison. A single vomit followed by normal behaviour is expected. Repeated vomiting is unusual and worth a vet check for another cause.
Is spider plant toxic to dogs?
No. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs as well as cats. It's one of the safest houseplants for any pet household.
What toxic plant is a spider plant mistaken for?
Spider plant itself is safe, but its grassy, striped look can resemble some Dracaena varieties (which are toxic). If you're unsure whether your grassy plant is a true spider plant, identify it before assuming it's safe.