Pet emergency
My cat ate Cylindrical Snake Plant — what to do
Step by step
- Take cylindrical snake plant away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate cylindrical snake plant — FAQ
Is cylindrical snake plant poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Cylindrical Snake Plant (Dracaena angolensis) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists snake plants (Sansevieria, now reclassified as Dracaena) as toxic to both cats and dogs, with saponins as the toxic principle; ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. NC State Extension similarly classifies Dracaena angolensis as toxic to pets and notes the sap may irritate skin, so keep it out of reach of pets and children.
How serious is it if my cat ate cylindrical snake plant?
Cylindrical Snake Plant is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The ASPCA lists snake plants (Sansevieria, now reclassified as Dracaena) as toxic to both cats and dogs, with saponins as the toxic principle; ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. NC State Extension similarly classifies Dracaena angolensis as toxic to pets and notes the sap may irritate skin, so keep it out of reach of pets and children. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep cylindrical snake plant well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is cylindrical snake plant toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Cylindrical Snake Plant and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide