Is Spider Ivy Toxic to Cats?

Cats are curious creatures that love to explore their surroundings, including houseplants. While having plants in your home can be a great way to add some greenery and improve indoor air quality, it's important to make sure the plants you're bringing into your home are safe for your feline friends to be around.

One plant that has generated some concern among cat owners is Spider Ivy (also known as Variegated or Striped Devil's Ivy). In this article, we'll take a look at what Spider Ivy is, whether it's toxic to cats, and what you should do if you have this plant in your home.

What is Spider Ivy?

Spider Ivy is a popular houseplant known for its variegated green and white leaves. It's a fast-growing vining plant that can grow up to 10 feet long, making it a great choice for hanging baskets or climbing up trellises. Spider Ivy is considered a low-maintenance plant and can thrive in low to medium light and with infrequent watering.

Is Spider Ivy Toxic to Cats?

While Spider Ivy is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant, it's important to know that it's toxic to cats. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Spider Ivy is considered to be moderately toxic to cats and dogs.

The toxic components in Spider Ivy are calcium oxalate crystals, which are present in the plant's sap and leaves. When cats come into contact with the plant, either by chewing on the leaves or skin contact with the sap, they can experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hypersalivation (drooling)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the mouth, tongue, or lips
• Irritation of the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes

In severe cases, ingestion of Spider Ivy can even lead to breathing difficulties or respiratory distress, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If you suspect your cat has ingested Spider Ivy or come into contact with its sap, it's important to seek veterinary attention right away.

What Should You Do If You Have Spider Ivy?

If you currently have Spider Ivy in your home and you're a cat owner, it's important to take steps to keep your feline friend safe. Here are some things you can do:

• Keep Spider Ivy out of reach - Cats are agile climbers, so it's important to keep Spider Ivy in a location that's completely out of reach. Hanging baskets or plant stands that are high up can be a good option.
• Discourage chewing - If you notice your cat is attempting to chew on the plant, you can try spraying it with a deterrent spray (e.g. citrus spray) or using other methods to discourage the behavior.
• Consider alternative plants - If you're concerned about the safety of Spider Ivy, there are plenty of cat-friendly houseplants that you can choose from. Some popular options include spider plants, African violets, and bamboo.

In addition to taking these steps, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of Spider Ivy toxicity so that you can act quickly if your cat does come into contact with the plant. Early intervention can make a big difference in the outcome of your cat's health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spider Ivy is a beautiful and popular houseplant that can add some greenery to your home. However, if you're a cat owner, it's important to know that this plant is toxic to felines and can cause a range of symptoms if ingested or touched. If you have this plant in your home, consider taking steps to keep it out of reach of your cat or choose a cat-friendly alternative plant. With some careful planning and attention, you can ensure that both your houseplant and your feline friend can thrive in your home.