Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats? Short Answer: Yes

Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata), including varieties like the golden bird's nest, contain chemical compounds called saponins. These naturally occurring substances act as a defense mechanism for the plant by deterring pests and harmful microbes.

But while saponins help the snake plant thrive, they can be dangerous for pets. This is why snake plants are toxic to cats.

When a cat ingests the plant material, the saponins can cause plant poisoning in cats, triggering symptoms that range from mild gastrointestinal upset to more serious issues like dehydration and lethargy.

While not usually extremely toxic, the toxic effects are enough to cause concern for any cat's health. Saponins can irritate the gastrointestinal tract in cats, leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

The symptoms of snake plant toxicity usually appear quickly. If your cat eats even a small piece, you might notice the following toxicity symptoms.

These common symptoms are your cat’s way of saying the plant ingested isn’t sitting well.

If you suspect your furry friend has gotten into a snake plant, act quickly.

Remove any visible plant material from the mouth and contact your local veterinarian for immediate veterinary attention. Even if the symptoms seem minor, it’s always best to seek professional advice.

Treatment might involve fluid therapy, medications to manage nausea or vomiting, or even induce vomiting if the ingestion was recent. Some cats may need ongoing supportive care to help their systems recover from the exposure to toxic substances.

The toxicity of snake plants is mainly due to the presence of saponins, which compromise cell membranes in the digestive tract. This leads to inflammation, pain, and other adverse effects.

While snake plants poisonous to cats might not always require hospitalization, the reaction can be serious depending on the amount cat ingests and their overall health.

It's also worth noting that plants toxic to cats often include more than just the snake plant. Easter lilies are highly toxic and potentially fatal to cats, causing acute kidney failure.

Jade plants and peace lilies are considered to have mild to moderate toxicity, typically causing gastrointestinal upset. These are true lilies, which are far more dangerous than the snake plant.

Absolutely. One cat might nibble a snake plant and show no signs, while another might experience significant gastrointestinal signs or oral pain.

Factors like age, size, pre-existing conditions and how much plant material was consumed all influence the outcome. It’s why no ingestion should be taken lightly, especially if you want to avoid long-term damage or repeat incidents.

Cats can also build habits. If they’ve munched on mother-in-law's tongue before, they may return to it unless you intervene. Ensuring your indoor garden is cat-proofed can go a long way in preventing repeated exposure to plants toxic to cats.

Cats are naturally curious and often explore the world with their mouths. For indoor cats especially, houseplants can seem like exciting new toys. Some experts suggest that cats chew on plants to help move hairballs or aid digestion. But when it comes to plants toxic, the results can be harmful.

Chewing on various plant species can introduce harmful microbes or toxic substances. This is why understanding plant toxicity in cats is critical.

Even "safe" alternatives like spider plants and Boston ferns should be offered cautiously, as overconsumption of any plant material can still lead to gastrointestinal distress if cats overindulge.

Aside from the snake plant, numerous other household plants can pose risks to your pets. Among the plants toxic to cats are:

Always be cautious with any new greenery. Cats love exploring, and some will taste test just about anything.

If you want a lush indoor garden without endangering your pets, consider non toxic plants that are safe for homes with cats. Here are some relatively pet-friendly choices:

Avoid plants like the good luck plant (a common nickname for the toxic jade plant) and others that are toxic to cats. Make sure any plant species you bring into your home is thoroughly researched for cat safe status. Even other plants marketed as ornamental may fall into the category of plants toxic to cats.

To keep your pets safe:

This reduces the temptation and allows your cat a safe outlet for natural behaviors. It also protects your décor and your pet’s wellbeing.

The bottom line: Snake plant ingestion isn’t usually fatal, but it can cause discomfort and health complications. Take symptoms seriously, act fast and consult your veterinarian immediately.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.