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Is African Spear Plant toxic to cats?

Sansevieria cylindrica

Toxic to cats

Yes — african spear plant is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Sansevieria species as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins, which cause gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea if ingested. Place out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate african spear plant

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

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

Is african spear plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is african spear plant toxic to cats?

Yes — african spear plant is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Sansevieria species as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins, which cause gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea if ingested. Place out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats african spear plant?

The ASPCA lists Sansevieria species as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins, which cause gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea if ingested. Place out of reach of pets. 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 african spear plant.

What should I do if my cat ate african spear plant?

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 african spear plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: African Spear Plant is toxic to dogs as well. See the full african spear plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to african spear plant?

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 african spear plant pet-safety