Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?

Caring for a snake plant is very easy. They have the disturbing characteristic that snake plants can be extremely poisonous for cats if they get curious and chomp down on one. If you wish to keep a snake plant in your home as a beautiful decor piece but have a cat, then you need to understand the danger those plants may pose to cats.

These particular plants can easily contribute to oxygenation, thus creating a high demand for them. This is not a problem if your cat is only interested in sniffing or touching the plant, but digesting toxic parts of the plant could make your cat sick.

It is one of the ways to keep the cat out of danger that you can think of, in case you choose plants that cannot cause harm to the cat. It’s wise to check the plants’ encyclopedia first before letting your pet jump inside a garden that can be celebrated.

What Should You Do If Your Pets Eat A Snake Plant?

If your pets gobble up a snake plant, here’s what to do: Primary, count what they ate. Additionally, Nibbling is normal to an extent, but when they have major appetites, it gets to you and also the plant. Proteins like saponins that can harm you are usually not toxic in small numbers. It has to be conducted in advance, and a vet must be consulted to be a hundred percent sure.

Check out the ASPCA website (ASPCA) and read about plants toxic to pet animals. If your pet cat has a considerable amount of snake, contact The Animal Poison Control Center of the ASPCA or your vet! The indoor garden, along with humans and the feline family, could be a precarious situation.

So get some safe kitty grass or catnip for your feline friend. Sous vide chicken thighs will be the perfect substitute for giving them a wholesome diet.

Why Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats?

Snake plants, which contain saponins and organic acids, can cause health issues when swallowed by cats. In a natural environment, such objects become a safety against plants; however, for our curious cats, they are dangerous.

Cats, being the nibblers they are, would probably chew the leaves or draw in the plant’s juices. The common symptoms of snake enemies can be a consequence of such interaction. Therefore, if you have a cat and a snake plant, you must be alert for these possible problems.

Read | What are the Benefits of Snake Plants?

Symptoms of Snake Plant Poisoning In Cats

When we talk about the symptoms or signs that your cat might be having snake plant poisoning, it’s similar to looking for indicators that a problem might be imminent. undefined

• Vomiting: Throwing up stomach contents.
• Diarrhea: Loose or watery bowel movements.
• Loss of Appetite: Not feeling hungry or wanting to eat.
• Drooling: Excess saliva coming out of the mouth.
• Lethargy: Feeling very tired and lacking energy.
• Dilated pupils: Enlarged black part of the eyes.
• Nausea: Feeling like you’re going to throw up.
• Oral irritation: Discomfort or pain in the mouth.
• Anorexia: Severe loss of appetite or refusal to eat.

Read | How Much Sun Do Snake Plants Need?

Treatment for snake plant poisoning in cats

Snake plant is safe for your cat in small quantities. Therefore, if you notice that your cat ate little of it and has no problem later, you may need to do no treatment. However, sometimes bad effects can appear (vomiting and diarrhea). In this case, the treatment comes down to relieving those symptoms. 

In a routine of care, the vet gives your cat fluids to keep them hydrated, and meds to calm them down and to settle their hearts. In severe instances, a vet might recommend drawing blood for lab testing. my cat may not require a hospital stay, but upon severe vomiting or diarrhea, she can stay at the animal hospital under constant observation and care.

Read | 10 Important Facts You Need To Know About Snake Plant Leaves

What To Do If Your Cat Eats a Snake Plant

If you catch your cat nibbling on a snake plant, act fast to keep them safe: If you catch your cat nibbling on a snake plant, act fast to keep them safe:

• Remove the Plant: Lead your cat away from the snake plant so he/she doesn’t snack on it. If you can, please snap a picture of the plant because it will be helpful to your vet.
• Watch Your Cat: Always monitor your dog for red flags indicating something is amiss. Add everything that you remember to what your vet wants to hear.
• Call the Vet: Contact your vet or any poison hotline, such as the ASPCA poison control or the Pet Poison Helpline. They will provide important persona-oriented details tailored to your cat’s specific case.
• Follow Vet’s Orders: Your vet can be your guide, maybe he would invite you to bring your cat to the vet or he might suggest using the fluids or meds. Even though it may seem to be a good DIY solution at home, it is very important to consult with the vet before trying to make a cat vomit, as it may become the cause of some unwanted health issues for your cat.

Read | How to Repot Snake Plant

Other Toxic Houseplants

While focusing on snake plants, it’s crucial to be aware of other toxic houseplants commonly found in homes: While focusing on snake plants, it’s crucial to be aware of other toxic houseplants commonly found in homes:

The Philodendron Plant: 

If you have a cat, Philodendrons may look quite attractive. But they are as trouble as they can give if you have that kind of a problem. Some plant species harbor substances that can poison your cat.

If a cat is interested in the philodendron leaves and in that cat’s mouth, he vomits, has runny poop, and pain in his mouth. Causing them is oxalate crystals in the plant. Oxalate is a common plant chemical.

15% of vet stats are reported already and they state that the number of cats falling ill after rolling in a philodendron plant is very high. There are always some who experience a mere bit of sickness and others have the chance to be completely rooted in bed.

The Oleander Plant:

Oleander, a common source of nectar for bees and butterflies, could harm your cat if ingested even in small amounts. Although the oleander flower is so nice to look at, this plant includes dangerous substances that are bound with cardiac glycosides.

If your cat eats off the oleander plant, it can give you some pretty big problems. If your cat eats oleander, the poison, full of heart-healthy substances, would make him wood salivate, vomit endlessly, and mouth runny. It’s not a soft flu; it’s a tropical disease with severe consequences.

The vet’s report ranks Olander as a top cat toxin, but even a small amount can produce complicity. On the other hand, you might wonder if oleander is for the cat’s good. Your cat may sample some oleander by mistake, and a visit to the vet just as quickly would be recommended.

The Aloe Vera Plant:

Aloe vera has the right to be dubbed a superhero green because of its extraordinary properties. Many, incidentally, for its healing power, may people love it. So let’s get into the main point viewed from the Kryptonite angle for a cat person- melatonin is not feline.

For instance, out of 100 cats that graze on aloe vera stems, some 25 have for the same reasons noted above such as stomach problems and intense tiredness. That’s like a cool-headed expedition to them without a sense of tenderness.

typically, aloe vera is used by humans as one of the indispensable first-aid remedies and is not meant for cats. It will be fine to maintain the aloe vera in this way so that the cat shall not reach it to protect against cat-sized tummy problems.

The Jade Plant:

A strong-tempered jade plant, which is highly reliable for growth, may care less about your feline friend’s special affection. Cats are known to be affected by vomiting after eating the jade plant since it has compounds that can do the same or even cause depression.

This means every 5 cats in 10 exposed developed the disease or died, demonstrating the importance of prevention.

The Peace Lily Plant:

Regarding how the peace lily is good-looking, the cat might develop a wound reliance on it.

The scientific evidence suggests that this frequently results in an upset stomach and also the irritation of their mouth which eventually impacts about 1 out of every 3 cats exposed to it. This element however necessitates a change of mindset and the exclusion of such plants from a cat-friendly environment.

The Pothos Plant:

Pothos is a plant with typical wandering vines that you need to keep an eye on lest your cat be at risk. Stats reveal that substances in pothos manifest oral irritation and issues with digestive tracts in about 20 % of cats. It is these that lead to these conditions.

You learn about these risks; it equips you with the awareness required to give your pet pooch a haven.

Ivy Plant: 

Ivy is the climbing plant, which may have a nice effect on the view, but you should be careful if you have a cat because it can harm the cat. Some of these ivy kinds, e.g., English ivy, can cause harm to your cat.

In case cats spice the leaves of ivy, they might be affected with different suites of diseases. Such could include vomiting, diarrhea, as well as painful stomach problems. In greater cases, it can cause as much trouble as having difficulties breathing.

According to statistics from veterinarians’ sources, the current situation is not a rare case of cats having symptoms of ivy ingestion, with 10% of them having very serious issues.

ZZ Plant: 

As a cat owner who cares for indoor plants, safety and beauty are important to you, so the ZZ plant might be a good choice to consider. Although cat owners may be reluctant, ZZ Plants, a botanical species with the scientific name Zamioculcas zamiifolia, are quite safe and even pet-friendly.

The same applies if your sprightly cat stumbles upon the ZZ plant. There is no need to stress about any adverse consequences. ZZ plants belong to the safe plant category, as they don’t contain any substances that are harmful to cats. As reported in pet-owner-friendly plant lists and vet’s suggestions, ZZ plants are a no-major-maintenance and beautiful addition to households with cats.

Being resilient and air purifying, this house plant benefits both folk who enjoy house plants and cat owners in general.

Top 10 non-toxic plants for homes with pets:

1. Spider Plant
2. Maidenhair Fern
3. Peacock Plant
4. Money Tree Plant
5. Areca Palm
6. Bird’s Nest Fern
7. Ponytail Palm
8. Peperomia Ginny
9. Sword Fern
10. Boston Fern

Final Words:

It is very important to ensure your cat’s safety from dangerous plants. If you have a cat, you need to be very careful about which plants you bring into your house. Pay attention to any signs that your cat may be struggling, and select plants that will not harm it.

Perhaps consider gifting poisonous plants to those without pets, and make your home cat-friendly by providing safe plants and fun toys. Carefully, you’re ensuring that your home is a joyful and secure place where you and your cat live happily.

FAQs:

Are Snake Plants Toxic for Cats?

Snake plants are dangerous for cats. These ingredients can cause health problems when consumed by cats.

Why Are Snake Plants Harmful to Cats?

Snake plants have natural substances that act as protection in nature but can be risky for cats if ingested. These substances, like saponins and organic acids, may cause problems if your cat chews on the plant.

What I Should Do If My Cat is Affected by Snake Plant Poisoning?

If you think your cat is one of the victims, rush to the doctor immediately. Vets can induce vomiting, provide fluid therapy, and use activated charcoal to aid your cat in recovering.

How Can I Keep My Cat Safe From Snake Plant Poisoning?

To keep your cat safe, consider gifting snake plants to non-pet households. Choose indoor plants that are non-toxic to cats and provide cat-friendly toys to keep them away from harmful foliage. Monitor your cat for any unusual behavior and seek veterinary help if needed.

What Should I Do If My Cat Shows Signs of Snake Plant Poisoning?

If you suspect your cat has been affected, immediately take them to the vet. Vets can induce vomiting, provide fluids, and use activated charcoal to help your cat recover.

 Once at home, create a comfortable space for your cat, keep fresh water available, and closely monitor their behavior.

See Related Articles:

• The Versatility of Snake Plant
• How Much Sun Do Snake Plants Need?
• Types of Snake Plants
• Reasons the Snake Plant is so Popular