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Pet safety

Is Spider Orchid toxic to cats?

Brassia verrucosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spider orchid 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. Brassia is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The broader Orchidaceae family is generally regarded as non-toxic and the ASPCA lists Phalaenopsis as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but because this genus is not specifically ASPCA-assessed it is best kept out of reach and any ingestion discussed with a vet.

What to do if your cat ate spider orchid

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move spider orchid 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 to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is spider orchid toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spider orchid toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spider orchid 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. Brassia is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The broader Orchidaceae family is generally regarded as non-toxic and the ASPCA lists Phalaenopsis as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but because this genus is not specifically ASPCA-assessed it is best kept out of reach and any ingestion discussed with a vet.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spider orchid?

Brassia is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The broader Orchidaceae family is generally regarded as non-toxic and the ASPCA lists Phalaenopsis as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but because this genus is not specifically ASPCA-assessed it is best kept out of reach and any ingestion discussed with a vet. 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.

What should I do if my cat ate spider orchid?

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 toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to spider orchid?

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 pet-safety