Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats | Sansevieria Toxicity
Snake plants contain a toxin saponin that is harmful to cats. Let’s discuss are Snake Plants Toxic to cats in detail in this post!
If you are a cat parent, it makes the utmost sense that you’ll worry about your pet’s safety. Are you wondering if snake plant poses any threat to your feline friend? The snake plant is a resilient ornamental houseplant and features striking upright foliage. So are snake plants toxic to cats or not? Let’s find out!
Here is a detailed post on Snake Plant Care Indoors!
Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats
Unfortunately, yes, the snake plant is toxic to cats as well as dogs and other pets. As the foliage of snake plants contains the toxin saponin, consuming it will cause adverse effects. Usually, pets, including cats and dogs, won’t consume snake plants as it’s non-palatable because of the bitter taste. Even if cats consume snake plants out of their curious nature, they won’t consume enough quantity to cause any life-threatening condition.
Snake plant is toxic to cats but not life-threatening in most cases!
Also, find out are Arrowhead Plants Toxic to Cats!
Why is Snake Plants Toxic to Cats
Snake plants contain saponin, a naturally occurring organic compound in plants. In plants, they serve as a deterrent to pests and a defense mechanism against diseases. Saponins also make plants undesirable for herbivores to eat due to their bitter taste. As saponins are bitter tasting, it imparts a bitter taste to the snake plants. That’s why even if cats consume snake plants, they’ll not consume them in amounts that can be fatal.
Snake plants are poisonous to cats because of saponins present in the foliage!
Symptoms of Snake Plant Poisoning in Cats
As mentioned above, cats won’t consume snake plants in large quantities due to their bitter taste. As per ASPCA, some clinical signs of snake plant poisoning are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other symptoms your cat might exhibit are lethargy, drooling, abdominal pain, and swollen tongue, mouth, or lips. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the quantity of snake plant matter consumed by the cat. Also, the symptoms can be more severe if your cat already suffers from chronic illness or any medical condition.
What if Cat Eats Snake Plant
Snake plant poisoning rarely gets fatal, but it’s advisable to consult a vet if you see your cat in distress. Make sure to tell the vet about any medical history of your cat. Your vet will help relieve the symptoms of snake plant poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. If the symptoms aren’t severe, feeding the cat tuna water or mild chicken broth can relieve the cat.
How to Prevent Cats from Eating Snake Plants
A straightforward solution is to keep snake plants out of the reach of cats, such as on a higher shelf. You can also use houseplant netting, but it can be somewhat unaesthetic in indoor spaces. Cats are not fond of the citrusy smell, so spraying orange peel solution or any citrusy fragrance around the snake plant will keep cats at bay.
