Are Spider Plants Toxic To Cats
Cats and Spider plants, The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) has been a favorite houseplant and a typical fixture at hanging baskets.
If it has to do with plants and cats’ disposition, then there is no denying that most cats appear to be attracted by this houseplant.
Are spider plants toxic to cats? So what is the deal?
Is it true that the spider plant gives off an odor that attracts cats? Why in the world are the cats eating spider plant leaves?
Though the plant does supply a lively odor, hardly evident for us, that is not what brings the furry critters.
Maybe, since cats enjoy all matters dangly, and your cat is only drawn to the hanging spiderettes about the plant, or perhaps cats possess an affinity for spider crops from boredom.
Both are viable explanations and even accurate to some degree; however, NOT the sole motives for this uncanny fascination.
Nope. Cats mostly like spider plants since they are mildly hallucinogenic. Yes, it is true.
Similar in character to the consequences of catnip, spider plants produce compounds that cause your kitty’s obsessive behavior as well as fascination.
Spider Plant Toxicity
You might have heard about the so-called hallucinogenic properties found in plants.
Maybe not. However, studies have found that this plant will cause a mild hallucinogenic effect to felines based on a few resources.
However, this is harmless. The spider plant is non-invasive to cats and other creatures on the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website and many other educational sites.
It is still suggested that cats eating spider plant leaves may pose a possible risk.
Spider plants contain chemical compounds which are said to be associated with opium.
While considered non-toxic, these chemicals can nevertheless result in an upset stomach, vomiting, and nausea.
For this reason, it is advised that you keep plants away from your cats to prevent any spider plant toxicity, irrespective of its favorable results.
As individuals, all cats are far distinct, and what affects one mildly may affect another quite otherwise.
Keeping Cats from Spider Plants
If your kitty has a penchant for feeding plants, there are steps you can take to keep cats out of plants.
Since spider plants are usually found in hanging baskets, maintain them (and any other possibly threatening plant) up high and out of your cats’ reach.
This means keeping them away in places where cats are vulnerable to scale, like windowsills or even furniture.
If you do not have anyplace to hang out your plant or a suitable place out of reach, consider spraying the leaves with a bitter-tasting repellent.
While not foolproof, it may assist because cats tend to avoid crops that taste awful.
When you have plenty of foliage growth on your spider plants, so far so that the spiderettes hang down inside reach of the cat, then it might be required to prune the spider plants back or split the plants.
Ultimately, in case your cats feel the need to munch on some greenery, try planting some indoor marijuana to their pleasure.
In the likelihood that it is too late and you find your kitty eating spider plant leaves, track the animal’s behavior (as you know, what is normal for your pet), and also take a trip to the vet if any indications appear to linger or are particularly severe.
References:
https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/columns/hortiscope/hortiscope-46/?searchterm=None http://www.news.wisc.edu/16820 https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/styles/iidc/defiles/ECC/CCR-Poisonous-SafePlants.pdf https://ucanr.edu/sites/poisonous_safe_plants/files/154528.pdf (p 10)
