Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Spider Orchid (Brassia) toxic to cats?

Brassia spp.

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spider orchid (brassia) as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Orchids in the family Orchidaceae are generally regarded as non-toxic, and the ASPCA individually lists the Phalaenopsis (moth) orchid as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. However, that listing is a different genus, and Brassia itself is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, so we take the conservative position and recommend verifying with your vet before allowing pets access. Note: a "Brassia actinophylla" appearing on toxic lists is an outdated synonym for the Schefflera/umbrella tree (family Araliaceae), a completely different plant, not the Brassia spider orchid.

What to do if your cat ate spider orchid (brassia)

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move spider orchid (brassia) out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of spider orchid (brassia) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten spider orchid (brassia), contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is spider orchid (brassia) toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spider orchid (brassia) toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spider orchid (brassia) as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Orchids in the family Orchidaceae are generally regarded as non-toxic, and the ASPCA individually lists the Phalaenopsis (moth) orchid as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. However, that listing is a different genus, and Brassia itself is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, so we take the conservative position and recommend verifying with your vet before allowing pets access. Note: a "Brassia actinophylla" appearing on toxic lists is an outdated synonym for the Schefflera/umbrella tree (family Araliaceae), a completely different plant, not the Brassia spider orchid.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spider orchid (brassia)?

Orchids in the family Orchidaceae are generally regarded as non-toxic, and the ASPCA individually lists the Phalaenopsis (moth) orchid as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. However, that listing is a different genus, and Brassia itself is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, so we take the conservative position and recommend verifying with your vet before allowing pets access. Note: a "Brassia actinophylla" appearing on toxic lists is an outdated synonym for the Schefflera/umbrella tree (family Araliaceae), a completely different plant, not the Brassia spider orchid. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to spider orchid (brassia).

What should I do if my cat ate spider orchid (brassia)?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is spider orchid (brassia) toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Spider Orchid (Brassia) is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full spider orchid (brassia) pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to spider orchid (brassia)?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full spider orchid (brassia) pet-safety