Are Spike Plants Toxic to Cats?

Yes, spike plants are mildly toxic to cats. 

Also called Dracaena spikes, spike plants are popular indoor ornamental houseplants. They are sometimes misidentified as Cordyline or Dracaena indivisa. According to Wikipedia, they are considered an immature form of the Cordyline australis. This impressive plant is endemic to New Zealand and can grow up to 20 metres tall. 

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that the spike plant is toxic to cats. This is due to the saponins present, which can cause various gastrointestinal or occasional neurological conditions. 

What to do if your cat accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats spike plants: Take the spike plant away from your cat. Check and remove any remaining plant material found on your cat’s hair, skin, or mouth. Equally important, monitor her in a confined space. After consumption or exposure to different parts of the spike plant, dilated pupils, vomiting (sometimes with blood), loss of appetite, depression, and hypersalivation may occur.

Additionally, monitor her for general symptoms of poisoning. Watch for skin inflammation or swelling, and changes in her drinking, urinating, and eating habits. Also, observe her for hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching and fitting, difficulty in breathing, shock or collapse, and depression or coma. Report your findings to the veterinarian. 

In summary: Spike plants, and cordyline plants in general, contain mildly toxic substances harmful to cats. To prevent accidents, refrain from bringing spike plants into properties with feline or canine pets. Or if you really need to cultivate them, do so in spaces your cats do not have access to.

Review these lists from PetMD, Pet Poison Helpline, and ASPCA before purchasing a new houseplant or growing one in your backyard. 

References:

Cordyline australis – Wikipedia

Grass Palm | ASPCA

Is Cordyline (Hawaiian Ti) Toxic to Cats? How to Keep Your Cat Safe

Poisoning in Cats