Is Cats Safe?

Is Snake Plant Safe for Cats?

Toxic for cats

No — Snake Plant is toxic to cats.

Snake Plant
Photo: Martin Olsson (mnemo on wikipedia and commons, martin@minimum.se) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is toxic to cats due to saponins it contains. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your cat has chewed or eaten any part of this plant, contact your vet promptly.

Scientific nameSansevieria trifasciata
FamilyAgavaceae
CategoryPlants
Toxic principleSaponins
Also known asGolden Bird's Nest, Golden Birds Nest, Good Luck Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

Signs to watch for in cats

If your cat may have been exposed to Snake Plant:

  1. Don't wait for symptoms; don't induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
  2. Note what and how much, and take any packaging with you.
  3. Call your vet or a 24/7 line now — Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 · ASPCA 888-426-4435.

Other Agavaceae plants

Plants in the same family (Agavaceae) are easily confused with Snake Plant — check each one:

Cat-safe alternatives

Browse all Plants for cats · or check another item.

Frequently asked questions

Is Snake Plant toxic to cats?

Yes. Snake Plant is reported toxic to cats by ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Keep it away from your cat.

What are the symptoms if a cat is exposed to Snake Plant?

Reported signs include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea.

What makes Snake Plant toxic to cats?

The harmful component reported for Snake Plant is Saponins. Cats metabolise many such compounds poorly, so even small exposures can cause problems.

How much Snake Plant is dangerous to cats?

There is no established "safe" amount — sensitivity varies by cat, and small exposures can still cause signs. Treat any exposure as potentially serious rather than waiting to see how much was involved.

What should I do if my cat ate Snake Plant?

Contact your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line right away: Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).