Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?

While they may be popular house plants, snake plants are not something you want to have around your cat. It’s not the name that makes it a bad idea (although it does sound a little ominous), but snake plants are actually toxic to cats should your kitty nibble on them or even ingest some. 

Can your snake plant and kitty happily live together? Read on for more details.

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The nature of snake plants: species and variety

Most of us are looking for attractive plants that offer some air-purifying benefits to our homes. We also typically want something we don’t have to fuss with. This is when the low-maintenance snake plant seems appealing.

Common types of snake plants

A tropical plant that originated from Africa and Asia, there are more than 70 types of snake plants out there. They vary in leaf length from six inches to eight feet. The leaves can be fat or skinny, have a distinctive pointy tip, and come in a variety of variegated color patterns. You’ll likely come across the smaller varieties for your home, such as Sansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii and Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel.’

Benefits of snake plants

• Snake plants are excellent air filters, removing carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air.

• Easy to maintain, snake plants are slow-growing, drought tolerant, and prefer the temperatures and humidity of most households.

• Its unique pointy leaves and color patterns make it an attractive focal point.

Drawbacks of snake plants

• Snake plants are toxic to animals and humans, if ingested.

• The leaf tips can be sharp, and if the tip is broken off, the leaf will stop growing.

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Are snake plants toxic to cats and other pets?

Chemical composition

Snake plants contain saponins, compounds that contribute to their hardiness. Saponins help protect snake plants from insects, fungi, and bacteria. But when ingested, saponins really irritate the delicate linings of several body systems. 

Why are snake plants toxic to cats? Are all parts of the plant poisonous?

All parts of a snake plant contain saponins. These compounds can irritate the respiratory and digestive tract, potentially leading to diarrhea. Some saponins can also increase the permeability of a red blood cell’s membrane. If severe enough, this can cause the red blood cell to die. If enough red blood cells die, a cat can develop anemia, which can have many negative repercussions.

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What should I do if my cat has eaten a snake plant?

Most of the time your cat won’t eat enough snake plant to cause serious issues, so if you catch your cat in the act or find little nibble marks in your snake plant, watch closely for gastrointestinal signs. They should go away within a few days.

Symptoms of snake plant poisoning in cats

Snake plants are considered to be mild to moderately toxic to cats. Symptoms can range from oral irritation and nausea to severe vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of snake plant toxicity in cats include:

• Drooling/oral irritation

• Nausea

• Anorexia

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Dilated pupils

• Pale gums

• Lethargy

When to see a vet for snake plant poisoning

Take your cat to a veterinarian if they develop severe vomiting or diarrhea, weakness, or lethargy. If your cat doesn’t have any symptoms but you’re worried about the amount of snake plant ingested, you can also contact an animal poison-control center (such as ASPCA Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline).

Diagnosing snake plant poisoning in cats

Vomiting and diarrhea are non-specific symptoms, meaning there are a myriad of possible causes for them. If your cat has access to a snake plant, or you find your snake plant disturbed, inform the veterinary staff so they can put it on the list of possible causes for your cat’s symptoms. 

Treatment for snake plant poisoning in cats

Some cats can eat a small piece of snake plant without developing any issues. However, if caught early, your vet may induce vomiting or give them activated charcoal to rid their body of as much toxin as possible.

Cats who have symptoms after eating snake plants are treated symptomatically. This may include fluid therapy and medications for vomiting and diarrhea. If symptoms seem severe, bloodwork or other diagnostics may be recommended. Cats who develop profuse vomiting and/or diarrhea may require hospitalization.

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How to prevent snake plant poisoning

The most effective way to prevent snake plant poisoning in cats is to make sure your cat does not have access to the plant. If there’s already a snake plant in your home, this may be easier said than done: Some curious cats will easily conquer any obstacles put in their way. If this is the case with your cat, find a new home for your snake plant and get a cat-safe replacement. 

How do I stop my cat from eating snake plants?

The best way to stop your cat from eating a snake plant is to keep snake plants out of your cat’s environment. Some cats can be trained to stay away from certain items. The saponins in snake plants tend to make them bitter and would hopefully prevent your cat from eating too much (or any) plant material. But cats are weirdos, and some will chew on plants regardless of the taste. So don’t depend on the bitterness to keep them away. Just get rid of the plant, or keep your snake plant in a cat-free room or hanging where your cat can’t get to it.

Other plants that are toxic to cats

Along with snake plants, you’ll want to avoid having these plants in your home — or take special care to keep your cat away from them.

• Easter lily (lilium wallichianum): True lilies (including tiger lily, Daylily, star lily, Japanese show lily, and others) are extremely toxic to cats. Cats who eat lilies are at risk of developing gastrointestinal signs within three hours of ingestion and acute kidney failure within three days. In some cases, lily ingestion can be fatal to cats. 

• Oleander (nerium oleander): All parts of oleander plants are toxic to cats. Oleanders contain cardiac glycosides, which are compounds that can cause vomiting, electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrhythmias, tremors, seizures, and death. 

• Poinsettias (euphorbia pulcherrima): Poinsettias are ubiquitous during the winter holiday season, but they should be kept away from your cat. These plants contain irritating sap that can lead to drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested. Though uncommon, it can also cause irritation when it makes contact with skin and eyes. 

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Plants that are safe for cats

If you crave the look of indoor plants and their air-filtering abilities, here are some safe plant options for cats.

• Rattlesnake plant (goeppertia insignis): This tropical plant is both cat-safe and gives the same lush look as snake plants. 

• Blushing bromeliad (neoregelia carolinae): These plants have scarlet blooms and are perfect for adding a pop of color to your home.

• African violet (saintpaulia ionantha): African violets produce vibrant purple flowers that are safe for cats if they happen to nibble on them.

Bottom line

• Though snake plants are a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts, they contain saponins that can cause digestive upset and even anemia if cats eat them.

• Snake plant poisoning is typically mild in cats, because the bitter taste and sharp leaves prevent cats from eating a lot.

• Regardless, snake plant poisoning can be serious. You should see your veterinarian if your cat has severe symptoms, or if they are without symptoms and have eaten a lot of a snake plant.

FAQs

What happens if a cat eats a snake plant? 

Snake plants can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by a cat. Felines who eat snake plants are at risk of developing symptoms like nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. 

Can cats eat snake plants safely?

Cats cannot eat snake plants safely. Snake plants are mildly to moderately toxic to cats. Saponin, a toxic compound, is most concentrated in the leaves, which are the easiest part of the plant for a cat to ingest.

Are snake plants poisonous to cats if they smell them?

Cats should not develop any signs of toxicity if they simply smell a snake plant. However, allowing your cat to have enough access to smell a snake plant should be discouraged because it means they also have enough access to eat it.

References

• “Anemia.” Cornell Feline Health Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/anemia.

• Damman, Aimee. “All About Snake Plants.” Swanson’s Nursery. 10 Jan 2021. https://www.swansonsnursery.com/blog/snake-plant.

• “Saponins.” Cornell College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. https://poisonousplants.ansci.cornell.edu/toxicagents/saponin.html.