There is nothing more popular than the snake plant, also known as Sansevieria trifasciata.
Also known as the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, the Magic Sword, and the Golden Bird’s Nest.
All these names refer to the long, wavy, snake-like leaves with striking…
…yellow edges that many people love.
Beautiful plants like these are a great addition to many homes!
Considering snake plants are easy to maintain and can tolerate neglect,…
…it is easy to see why they are so popular.
Despite their curiosity, cats can be difficult to choose a houseplant…
…because they are incredibly finicky.
Pet owners must also consider the possibility that they might harm their pets.
What if your cat is eating snake plants? Are snake plants toxic to cats?
This is Gladys’ experience.
I have three cats in my house, and I also have a Mom that loves to decorate the house.
The thing was, everything she bought was snake plants.
I read somewhere that it’s not safe for pets to ingest the leaf.
I started to make time on the weekends to keep her snake plants out of my cats’ reach.
Not only do I make my home more beautiful, but it’s also much safer now for my cats to wander around.
Imagine what would it mean for you and your beloved pets?
No matter what name you call it, the snake plant is toxic to cats when eaten and…
…can cause sickness and diarrhoea.
Despite that, it is unlikely to harm your cat and is safer than many other highly poisonous plants.
The purpose of this article is to explain why snake plants are toxic to cats,…
…what to do if your cat takes a nibble out of a snake plant,…
…and how you can keep houseplants that are toxic to cats out of reach…
…and replace them with safer alternatives.
What Makes Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?
The plant has saponins, even in its long grass-like leaves, which cats love eating.
Snake plants occasionally bloom flowers and berries,…
….but these also contain poisonous saponins and should not be eaten.
They act as natural insecticides and fungicides due to…
…the chemicals produced by the mother-in-law’s tongue.
They are crucial for the plant’s survival and are partly responsible for making it tough.
As saponins protect against microbes, fungi, and bacteria,…
…they reduce the risk of plants contracting various diseases.
While these chemicals are effective at killing bacteria,…
…they are also responsible for the toxic effects in cats and dogs.
As purgatives, saponins cause diarrhoea and stomach cramps and…
…increase bowel movements when ingested.
Snake plants are also highly indigestible, which exacerbates these stomach problems.
Pieces of the plant can sit inside your cat’s stomach, and their digestive system…
…will try to break the plant down.
As your cat tries to regurgitate these pieces,…
…it will cause more stomach discomfort and increase vomiting.
The snake plant can also cause skin irritation when in contact with human skin.
Several saponins also exist in the juice of the leaf, otherwise known as sap,…
…which cause mild rashes or itching.
Cats are furry, so they are unlikely to encounter this problem.
How to Stop Your Cat from Eating Snake Plant
It may surprise some cat owners that the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue is dangerous for cats,…
…as snake plants are stylish and exciting additions to any home.
You need not worry! Cats and Sansevieria Trifasciata can live in harmony together;…
…taking precautions to prevent the two from getting close is all that is required.
Even if your cat eats your snake plant, it’s not the world’s end.
After treatment and advice from your veterinarian,…
…they will most likely be back to their usual happy selves within a day or two.
Even so, it is a good idea to prevent your cat from eating your snake plant just in case;
it is better to avoid discomfort and potential disaster if you can!
My top tips for keeping your cat from eating your snake plant are the following.
Keep Snake Plant Out of Reach
The first thing you should do is keep your snake plant out of your cat’s reach.
Even though it seems like a simple and obvious solution,
the reality is much more complicated!
Cats are natural climbers and love to climb!
You can easily put a plant on a high shelf to prevent…
…your dog from nibbling at the leaves,
but a determined cat will work its way up any high surface.
How do we solve this problem?
It is possible to use hanging planters that can be hung…
..directly from the ceiling or on the wall.
Because there is no surface for your cat to climb on,…
…it is safe from ingesting the snake plant.
These planters we list below could be your choice.
They’re gorgeous and safe for your cats!
Bouqlife Macrame Plant Hangers with Pots
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Mkono Ceramic Hanging Planter
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2 Pack Eco Joy Boho Metal Hanging Planters
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Planting your snake plant outside is another option if you have an indoor cat.
Put your mother-in-law’s tongue in a room your cat does not enter,…
…and make sure the door is closed.
As one of the best air-purifying houseplants,…
…snake plants are an ideal addition to any bedroom,…
…which is also the most common cat-free zone in the house.
There is an alternative way to prevent your cat from coming close and
eating snake plants by putting cat pee into a snake plant pot.
Cat didn’t like to settle at a smelly place, so utilizing pee would come in handy.
For more information about this tip, read Save Your Snake Plant By Pee.
Use Citrus, Coffee, or Cinnamon
Cats have a very good sense of smell. It has 15 times the strength of ours!
As a result, some scents we enjoy – like citrus fruits, coffee, and…
… cinnamon – can be overwhelming to cats.
This information can be useful when you are trying to keep your cat away…
…from your snake plant since you can use these scents to deter them.
Ensure you keep the coffee grinds from your machine and sprinkle them in the soil.
In addition to keeping your cats away, coffee also acts as a fertilizer,…
…ensuring your snake plant thrives and grows.
You can also sprinkle cinnamon in the pot to protect your snake plant…
…from dampening diseases and mould.
Alternatively, keep the orange peel and place it around the edge of the pot.
It will slightly increase the soil’s acidity, which is good for plants…
…that thrive in acidic environments, such as snake plants.
The plants are native to tropical West Africa, where the soil has a pH between 4.5 and 7.0.
Thus, this could also help your snake plant grow!
Use Deterrent Sprays
It’s not necessary to use strong scents to deter your cat;…
…cat repellent sprays are equally effective.
You can buy deterrent sprays from many pet stores that are intended…
…to keep your cat from scratching your furniture,…
…but you can also spray the surface you keep the plant pot on to ward off your cat.
Make sure to use a spray meant for houseplants…
…if you wish to spritz the snake plant directly.
The chemicals in the deterrent spray may damage your snake plant otherwise.
If it’s hard for you to find one, here’s what we can do to ease your hassle.
Everjoice Cat Spray Deterrent Indoor and Outdoor
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
I Must Garden Dog and Cat Repellent
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Nature’s Mace Cat Repellent Spray | Keep Cats Out of Your Lawn and Garden
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Other common household items can also be used…
…to make plant-friendly cat repellent sprays.
Mix a few drops of citrus or lavender essential oils with water and mist the plant.
Also, you can mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and spray it.
The acidic vinegar will not cause any harm to snake plants…
… because they thrive in acidic environments.
It may even be beneficial for the plant.
Maintain Your Cat’s Interest
Cats are naturally curious creatures who enjoy exploring the world around them.
Snake plants aren’t eaten for their taste or potential side effects;…
…hey are intrigued by the plant and want to know more about it.
To prevent your cat from ingesting your snake plant,…
…provide them with something more entertaining and enticing such as toys.
Test out several different toys to determine what your cat enjoys the most.
Make sure they always have something new to discover…
…and play with by switching their toys regularly.
A cat toy that automatically plays with itself is also a great idea for…
…busy owners who don’t have the time to keep their cats entertained every day.
Other exciting items you can provide are cat scratching posts, cat trees,…
…and several hiding places.
Even though all cats benefit from an enriching home environment,…
…indoor cats will benefit even more as they do not have access to the natural world.
If you give your cats a few other products, you’ll be surprised…
…at how much they will stop eating your houseplants.
Provide Cats with Plants They Can Eat
If your cat still can’t get enough of your plants, why not provide him with some of his own?
You can buy cat grass from most pet stores for a relatively low price.
It is grown from seeds such as wheat, barley, and oats, specifically so cats can eat it.
It is different from the grass that covers your back lawn.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that cats can vomit…
…when eating excessive amounts of cat grass.
Cats, in the wild, eat grass to help settle their stomachs or regurgitate hairballs,…
…which is why they are drawn to certain plants.
However, the leaves won’t harm, and many cats enjoy nibbling on them.
When buying cat grass for your cats,…
…make it obvious that this plant is for them…
…to eat not your snake plant or other deadly houseplants.
Keep your cat grass close to the ground and houseplants…
…on higher shelves or in different rooms.
They will be able to distinguish between the two this way.
Switch to Safer Alternatives
You can always switch your snake plant for a safer alternative…
…if none of these solutions is working and you’re concerned.
You can choose from a variety of cat-friendly houseplants.
Let’s take the spider plant as another popular houseplant.
Can cats eat spider plants? They do not contain toxins and…
… are safe for cats to nibble on in moderation.
As a result, they are a great option for pet parents.
What about ferns?
Do ferns poison cats?
Although some ferns are poisonous, Boston Ferns are safe for cat owners and…
… are a great addition to any home!
Although, it is always best to check each plant’s safety as some houseplants…
… are surprisingly poisonous.
Aloe vera, for instance, is safe for cats?
Most people would assume the answer is yes.
We use aloe vera medicinally in many cosmetic and cat products.
Aloe vera gel is safe, but the whole plant is toxic when consumed by cats.
The ZZ Plant is another popular houseplant to be aware of.
ZZ Plants are toxic to cats?
Yes, but much more poisonous than snake plants!
Their toxin is calcium oxalate, a crystal-like structure that damages…
…the skin when it comes into contact with the plant,…
…and the digestive system if it is ingested.
That’s how we know toxins lurk in the plants we least expect and can harm cats!
You can be confident that a plant will not harm your cat if you research it before purchasing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my cat has ingested the snake plant?
If your cat has ingested the snake plant, perform the following steps:
1) Call a veterinarian.
2) Call a veterinarian immediately if the cat is exhibiting…
…symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, swelling of the face or neck,…
…convulsions, or lack of coordination.
What are the symptoms of being poisoned by a snake plant?
Symptoms of snake plant poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, and seizures.
What should I do if my cat gets sick after playing around with a snake plant?
If your cat gets sick after playing around with a snake plant,…
…it is important to take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
How can I prevent my cat from eating the snake plant in the future?
There is no specific way to prevent your cat from eating the snake plant,…
…as it is possible for them to override any attempts you make at prevention.
Some effective measures that may work include rewarding your cat with food…
…when they are away from the snake plant, providing them with a toy…
…that they cannot play with or chew on if they are near the snake plant,…
…and keeping the snake plant out of sight or in a different part of the house.
Is it safe to leave my cat near a snake plant?
Snake plants are not poisonous to cats. They can be beneficial as they help to keep rodents away.
Sum Up
So, the bottom line is,
Taking care of snake plants is not only about fixing wilted snake plants but also preventing cats from eating your plants because it will be dangerous.
There are many ways to keep your cats out of harm’s way. While also keeping your plants in your house.
Conclusion
Now’s your turn.
Tell us if you have tried other ways to keep your cats out of your plants!
We’d love to hear your stories too.
