Introduction
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Sansevieria, are a popular household plant known for being low maintenance. Their sword-like leaves add an exotic, tropical look to any space. However, some cat owners may be hesitant to add a snake plant to their home due to concerns about toxicity.
Snake plants contain saponins, natural chemicals that make them bitter and potentially irritating. There are conflicting reports on how toxic snake plants are to cats. While they can cause minor problems like vomiting if ingested, they are generally not considered highly toxic. However, cat owners will still want to take precautions.
This article examines the risks snake plants may pose for cats, including signs of poisoning, and provides tips on safely keeping them in a home with feline companions.
Background on Snake Plants
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are a species of flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family. Their scientific name is Sansevieria trifasciata. Snake plants are native to tropical regions of West Africa. They have long, thick, cylindrical leaves that come up from the soil. The leaves are banded with light and dark green colors. Snake plants can grow up to 6 feet tall, but most indoor plants are around 2-4 feet tall.
Snake plants are considered succulents because they store water in their thick leaves. This makes them very drought tolerant and low maintenance houseplants. Snake plants propagate easily from cuttings which has lead to many cultivars being developed with different leaf patterns and colors such as silver, gold or white edges.
Toxicity Concerns
Snake plants contain compounds called saponins, which are toxic to cats and dogs. The main concerning compound is called Chlorphenesin. When ingested, Chlorphenesin can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, and difficulty swallowing (Source).
Some other symptoms of snake plant poisoning in cats include nausea, diarrhea, and oral irritation or swelling. Cats may also experience hypersalivation after ingesting parts of the snake plant. The highest concentration of toxic compounds are in the leaves and stems, so chewing or eating these would lead to more severe effects (Source).
How Much is Toxic?
The toxic compounds in snake plants are saponins, and the concentration is highest in the leaves and roots. According to the ASPCA, ingestion of 1-2 leaves can be toxic to cats[1]. The actual amount that will cause poisoning depends on the size and weight of the cat and the part of the plant ingested.
Cats that ingest a small amount may experience minor irritation of the mouth, throat and stomach. Eating larger amounts can lead to more severe vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. The highest risk is if the cat eats the roots, as the saponin concentration is greatest there. Kittens and smaller cats will experience toxic effects after eating less plant matter than larger adult cats.
Other variables like the cat’s current health and any medications can also affect toxicity. Cats with existing liver or kidney disease may not be able to process and excrete the toxins as readily. Overall the toxicity level of snake plants is considered mild to moderate for cats.
Risk to Cats
Cats are generally not interested in eating plants and the likelihood of a cat ingesting enough snake plant to cause poisoning is low (Source). However, there are some factors that can increase a cat’s risk of snake plant toxicity:
- Kittens or younger cats are more likely to chew on houseplants out of curiosity or boredom (Source).
- Cats that are food motivated may be more inclined to nibble on plants.
- Cats with pica, an abnormal appetite for non-food items, are at higher risk of eating houseplants.
- Allowing cats free access to areas with snake plants increases accidental ingestion risk.
- Damaged or dying snake plant leaves release more toxins, making those plants more hazardous (Source).
While healthy adult cats are unlikely to eat enough snake plant to become ill, kittens and cats with pica or other risk factors have a higher chance of snake plant poisoning.
Protecting Your Cat
The best way to protect your cat is to keep snake plants completely out of reach. Cats are natural climbers, so placing the plant on a high shelf may not be sufficient. The safest option is to keep snake plants in an area not accessible to cats, like a room with the door closed.
You’ll also want to monitor your cat closely to make sure they are not chewing on or ingesting any part of the snake plant. Be especially vigilant if you notice pieces missing from the leaves or find vomit or diarrhea around the plant. Any evidence that your cat is eating the plant means you need to immediately move it to a secure location.
There are sprays available such as “Scat Mat” that can deter cats from approaching plants. Spraying the leaves with these scents may prevent your cat from chewing on them. However, you still need to keep a close eye on the plant and your cat’s access to it.
Snake plants are very toxic to cats, so keeping them completely away from felines is strongly advised. With proper precautions, you can keep poisonous snake plants in your home while ensuring your cats remain safe and healthy. Just be diligent about limiting all access to prevent any accidental ingestion.
Signs of Poisoning
If a cat ingests parts of a snake plant, there are some key symptoms to watch for that may indicate poisoning has occurred. According to the Basepaws blog article Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?, the most common symptoms of snake plant poisoning in cats are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Other possible symptoms outlined in the Wagwalking article Snake Plant Poisoning in Cats include:
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Depression or lethargy
Cat owners should monitor their cat closely after potential snake plant ingestion and watch for any of these signs of poisoning. If any symptoms develop, immediate veterinary care is recommended. The sooner treatment can begin, the better the prognosis.
Treatment
Take your cat to the vet immediately if you suspect they ingested part of a snake plant. Quick treatment is essential to avoid serious complications and can greatly improve the prognosis.
There is no antidote for snake plant poisoning, but the vet will likely induce vomiting to remove any remaining plant parts from the stomach. They may administer activated charcoal to absorb any toxins still present in the gastrointestinal tract. The vet will also provide supportive care with IV fluids and medications to control vomiting and diarrhea.
Cats may need to stay at the vet clinic for a couple days for monitoring and continued supportive care. With prompt vet attention, most cats recover fully from snake plant poisoning within a few days.
Never induce vomiting at home, as this can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Also do not give any medications unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. Simply rush your cat to the vet clinic as soon as possible after ingestion.
Snake Plant Safety Tips
To keep your snake plant healthy and non-toxic, follow these safety tips:
Watering – Snake plants prefer infrequent but deep watering. Only water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Allow the plant to completely drain after watering to prevent soggy soil.
Fertilizing – Fertilize lightly in spring and summer using a balanced houseplant fertilizer, no more than every 6-8 weeks. Avoid over-fertilization which can cause excessive growth.
Light – Snake plants thrive in bright indirect light. Provide at least some sunlight daily. Low light can result in poor growth over time.
With proper care, you can maintain a robust snake plant that is less likely to produce toxins. Keep the plant out of reach of cats to prevent chewing and ingestion. Monitor the plant and cat interactions.
Conclusion
To recap, while snake plants contain saponins that can be toxic to cats if ingested in significant quantities, they are generally considered safe for households with cats when some basic precautions are followed. The key is to monitor your cat’s behavior around the plants and take action if chewing or ingestion occurs. Keep plants out of reach of cats that have shown interest. Seek immediate veterinary treatment if poisoning is suspected. With proper care and supervision, both cat and snake plant can thrive together in the home.
With some simple monitoring and care, snake plants can add clean air and style to a home while coexisting safely with feline friends. Be vigilant, follow plant safety tips, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty offered by these popular houseplants.