Are Spider Plants Toxic to Dogs or Cats?

Is spider plant toxic to dogs?

No. The ASPCA lists spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) as non-toxic to dogs and cats, and PetMD (reviewed by Jennifer Grota, DVM) lists spider plant among the plants that are safe for dogs.

Is spider plant toxic to cats?

No. The ASPCA lists spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and PetMD (reviewed by Melissa Witherell, DVM) lists "spider plant/spider ivy" among the plants that are safe for cats.

Known caveats

PetMD notes that while non-toxic plants will not cause poisoning, they may still lead to mild digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhea if a dog eats a large amount (source).

For cats, PetMD says that a plant not being toxic does not mean it cannot pose other safety concerns: vomiting, diarrhea and a poor appetite are possible, and eating a large amount of plant material can risk a gastrointestinal blockage (source).

The ASPCA page also lists the names ribbon plant, Anthericum and spider ivy, which helps when you are matching a plant tag (source).

Symptoms to watch for

The ASPCA page lists no toxic principle or clinical signs. These are the general signs PetMD describes for non-toxic plants.

In dogs

• Mild digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, if a large amount is eaten (PetMD).

In cats

• Vomiting, diarrhea and a poor appetite if a cat eats it; PetMD also notes that a larger amount of any plant material can raise the risk of a gastrointestinal blockage.

What to do if your dog or cat ate it

1. Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move the plant out of reach.
2. Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when. Keep a leaf or a photo of the plant handy.
3. Call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply), or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison line tells you to.
5. Follow your vet's advice. Your vet may suggest watching your pet at home or bringing them in for an exam.

Frequently asked questions

Are spider plants toxic to dogs?

No. The ASPCA lists spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) as non-toxic to dogs, and PetMD lists it among plants that are safe for dogs. A large amount of any plant can still cause mild digestive upset.

Are spider plants toxic to cats?

No. The ASPCA lists spider plant as non-toxic to cats, and PetMD lists spider plant/spider ivy among plants that are safe for cats. PetMD adds that a non-toxic plant can still cause vomiting, diarrhea and a poor appetite.

What happens if my cat eats a lot of spider plant?

PetMD says non-toxic plants can still cause vomiting, diarrhea and a poor appetite, and that eating a large amount of plant material can risk a gastrointestinal blockage. Call your vet if your cat seems unwell.

Can a non-toxic plant still make my pet sick?

Yes. PetMD says non-toxic plants can still cause mild digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, if a pet eats a large amount, and a large amount of any plant material can risk a blockage in cats.

What other names does the ASPCA use for spider plant?

The ASPCA page lists Spider Plant with the additional names ribbon plant, Anthericum and spider ivy.

Sources

• ASPCA: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Toxicity line, family and scientific name.
• PetMD: 29 flowers and plants for dogs (reviewed by Jennifer Grota, DVM; updated Mar. 19, 2021): Plant listing and the mild-digestive-upset caveat for dogs.
• PetMD: flowers and plants for cats (reviewed by Melissa Witherell, DVM; updated Mar. 31, 2026): Plant listing and the caveat that non-toxic plants can still upset a cat's stomach.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. This is a household reference, not veterinary advice.