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Pet safety

Is Snake Plant toxic to cats?

Sansevieria trifasciata

Toxic to cats

Yes — snake 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 trifasciata as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains saponins that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling if ingested. While rarely life-threatening, it should be kept out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate snake plant

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

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

Is snake plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is snake plant toxic to cats?

Yes — snake 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 trifasciata as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains saponins that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling if ingested. While rarely life-threatening, it should be kept out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats snake plant?

The ASPCA lists Sansevieria trifasciata as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains saponins that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling if ingested. While rarely life-threatening, it should be kept 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 snake plant.

What should I do if my cat ate snake 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 snake plant toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to snake 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 snake plant pet-safety