Snake Plant (Mother in Law’s Tongue) The snake Plant or Mother in Law’s Tongue is prevalent in the homes and offices. In case of any of these symptoms, take your kitty to your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. The snake plant contains toxic saponins capable of causing illness in a cat. Also a pet lover? Third; succulents have become extremely popular in the last few years due to their beauty and ease of maintenance. Snake plants are usually safe and show low or no toxicity in humans. Feed them well and love them always. Although the popular snake plant is only mildly toxic to pets, it does contain saponins—a natural chemical produced by the plant to protect it from insects, microbes, and fungi. Secondly, as Wikipedia states “the NASA Clean Air Study found S. trifasciatahas potential indoor air filtration qualities, removing 4 of the 5 main toxins involved in the effects of sick building syndrome.”. As far as we know these plants are non-toxic to cats which is cool because this plant is relatively easy to care for as it likes northern facing windows where the light is bright but indirect. In case your vet has recommended any specific type of food, give it to your cat at stated times. A cat’s gastrointestinal reaction may be mild to moderate, but the pet most probably won’t cross the line into life threatening toxicosis. This will make it difficult to climb and ingest the plant, especially if you have smaller cats or kittens. Additionally, the cats temperature, blood pressure and other vital functions will be measured. As mentioned before, Saponin is the chemical that makes snake plants toxic for pets. It’s unlikely poinsettia ingestion will lead to death. Belonging to family Asparagaceae, the Sansevieria trifasciata, is an indoor and outdoor ornamental plant native to West Africa, from Congo west to Nigeria, Southern Asia, and Madagascar. However, in cooler climates, it serves as a houseplant. If you do have a Mother-in-law’s tongue plant in your home, it’s a good idea to keep it in a room your cat cannot enter. Therefore, all parts of the snake plant should be avoided due to their toxic nature. Saponins can be found in all parts of the plant, and contact with the juices may cause irritation to the skin. A complete blood test and urine test may be recommended to analyze organ functions and general health conditions. Traditional home remedies can be hazardous to cats. Usually it should take 1-2 days. It also protects the plant from other microbes. Snake plants can occasionally bloom and produce greenish-white fragrant flowers that resemble lilies. Furthermore, there is another fact that decreases the likelihood of life threatening intoxication from consuming snake plants. The toxic chemical of the lily plant is unknown but it does contain something that causes kidney failure in cats.For dogs with an existing kidney or liver disease, the same can happen.All your vet can do is offer support because the prognosis is poor at best. Because Jade plants can get quite large, keeping them out of the reach of cats might be difficult. With early diagnosis and treatment, the possibility is your cat will recover nicely in a couple of days. Some cases will not require any treatment, while others may demand a short hospital stay. Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats. The Mother-in-law’s tongue contains mildly poisonous chemicals in the form of saponins and organic acids. Keep reading to learn more about the toxic parts of this plant, symptoms of toxicity, prevention measures and first-aid tips. Golden Birds Nest (Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Good Luck Plant) | Scientific Names: Sansevieria trifasciata | Family: Agavaceae . Saponin is found in the entire plant. It is known to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and numbing of the mouth. But it is strongly advisable to take him or her to the veterinarian after you see the symptoms. We all know that cats are obligate carnivores. This will make the transition to a regular diet easier. The saponins act as natural insecticides and fungicides and make this plant bitter and toxic to these pets. The toxicity is mild to moderate for pets including kittens, puppies, dogs or cats. Usually symptoms are treated as they arise. Thank you, spider plant (Chlorophytum), for looking just as cool today as you did in grandma's kitchen in 1978. This makes it a good choice even if your house or apartment is not well lit. In the last section of this post I’ll suggest some ways to prevent your cat from eating the plant. Bearded Dragon Breeding – Mating, Egg Laying and Incubation. There is no specified course of treatment for snake plant poisoning in cats. Toxic Plants For Cats. Although it’s not common for cats to chew on unsuitable objects such as plants, the possibility is not zero. This can be done by flushing the mouth with water to remove any bits of leaves from teeth and oral cavities. This chemical can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. The Devils’ Ivy Plant is considered a Toxic, (dangerous, poisonous) plant for humans, dogs and cats. When you are certain that your cat has eaten the snake plant, make sure that the cat doesn’t eat it further. Over time, the blossom will give orange-red colored berries. How to choose a perfect pot for your snake plant? Snake plants, often referred to as "mother-in-law's tongue," is well-known as one of the best plants for low light conditions, and for improving air quality - which has made it an extremely common houseplant. According to Joy US Garden, expect, cultivars that are “tall or short, with round, flat or concave leaves, and variegated with dark green, silver, light green, yellow, chartreuse or white.”. Second; among pets, cats are the ones that are most likely to crawl and climb to impossible places to nibble on plant leaves. The simplest way to add life and color into any room is with the addition of a house plant.Besides adding a sense of vibrancy, house plants also have medicinal benefits such as air-purifying abilities. By any name, this common house plant and member of the Agavaceae family is indeed toxic or poisonous to cats and dogs. Nonetheless, it is still advised that cats eating spider plant leaves may pose a potential risk. These symptoms are mostly related to the gastrointestinal tract problems, as the plant is highly indigestible. The list below is by no means exhaustive, and you can view the ASPCA’s complete list for dogs, cats, and horses by clicking here. Sansevieria trifasciata, called the snake plant, mother-in-law's tongue or good luck plant, is an ornamental herbaceous evergreen native to Africa. Keep moist during summer months and the plant should flourish and produce many scented flowers. About Us | Terms of Use | Copyright | Privacy Policy | Cookie | Contact Us. Additional common names include golden bird's nest, mother-in-law’s tongue, and good luck plant. It is toxic to cats and ingestion will cause vomiting, diarrhea, and change in urine color. It is known by other names including snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue, Saint George’s sword, devil’s tongue, jinn’s tongue, or viper’s bowstring hemp, good luck plant, Magic sword, golden bird’s nest, et cetera. Check how much quantity of plant your cat has consumed, and remember the exact or approximate time of consumption if you know that. We earn a commission when you buy them through our affiliate links. Although Saponin does it’s job well by keeping insects and fungus at bay, it is not good for humans and pets. Dermatitis is a form of skin diseases that creates rash or irritation. It is an extremely poisonous indoor plant in particular for cats. However, cats are unlikely to make skin contact with it, as their bodies are covered in fur. The most common side effects of ingestion are mild vomiting and drooling, and occasionally, diarrhea. If your cat ingests it, she will have symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, reduced appetite, depression, among other symptoms. The plant has these toxins as natural insecticides and fungicides. Its toxicity is mild to moderate. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), snake plant is a toxic houseplant for cats as well as dogs. To protect your cat from toxic plants growing outdoors, keep the cat indoors where you have full control on objects they are exposed to. Also known as ribbon plant or airplane plant, the spider plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs, and will tolerate a wide range of light, moisture, and soil conditions. The plant contains a toxic chemical called Saponin that can cause distressing reactions. We have listed below some of the many plants that are potentially toxic for cats and should be avoided. Used indoors for its dense, lush foliage, this plant is poisonous to cats when ingested. There might be visible bite marks on plant leaves. Furthermore, the juices of the plant have the ability to cause skin dermatitis. Whenever the animal eats any part of the snake plant, toxicity can occur. Toxic Principles: Saponins. Toxicity occurs if your kitten, puppy, cat, or dog ingests any part of this plant. Poinsettias are one of the more commonly known plants toxic to cats, although they are not quite as toxic as we are led to believe. Cats who have ingested this plant are expected to make a full recovery within a few days. Be especially careful with all lilies (marked *). The sap or juice of the plant leaves can cause mild skin irritation. If the cat has become dehydrated from excessive vomiting or diarrhea, the vet may also administer electrolytes through an IV drip. Although snake plants can cause trouble for your cat, most probably they won’t eat too much. Snake Plant. Other signs include drooling, reduced appetite, lethargy, depression, abdominal discomfort as well as swollen tongue, mouth or lips. It contains a toxic compound called saponins, which is found in the outermost area of the plant leaves, just below the skin. Much like the aloe plant, the snake plant contains saponins which foam when exposed to bodily fluids. Plant lover? Snake plant is an evergreen plant that often forms a dense stand that spreads away by the plant’s rhizome. If your cat vomited after eating or taking the medicine, wait for about 12 hours before feeding again. Commonly noted symptoms of poisoning include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Feed the cat a mixture of small pieces of boiled chicken breasts (skinned and boned) with rice. Common Plants and Flowers That Are Poisonous to Cats. Do not try to induce your cat to vomit unless your vet says to do so. Is snake plant poisonous or safe to cats? Although the effects of consuming snake plants are not severe, you should look for these signs of poisoning: If your cat starts showing any of the above symptoms, take her or him immediately to the veterinarian for checkup. The snake plant is also referred to as Sansevieria and belongs to the Lily Family. As an extra precaution, you can choose to remove snake plants from home and place it outdoors. The snake plant aka Sansevieria trifasciata is also known as:. The toxicity is mild to moderate for … Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, you may notice parts of the plant in your cat’s mouth. The key is to seek medical attention right away. If you have it, you deserve to know that snake plants poisonous to cats and dogs because it has saponins as ASPCA. Yes, the aloe plant is dangerous to cats. Ensure the cat drinks plenty of water to prevent potential dehydration as a result of diarrhea. As many houseplants are toxic for cats, provide information about all the plants you keep indoors as well as outdoors. Common names: Maiden's breath Toxic to: Cats, dogs Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea Barbados Lily. Your email address will not be published. See our. In this article, we discuss Snake Plant poisoning and cats along with sharing advice to help you avoid or deal with it.. Read on to learn more. Personally, I prefer my house empty of plants and full of healthy cats with zero risks! If you are sure that your cat hasn’t ingested the plant, still it’s better to visit a vet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We use cookies to help give you the best experience. For the plant poisoning, certain care options are used to promote fast recovery in the cat. The toxins are not very powerful, and the implications of ingesting them are usually limited to stomach upset in most cases. Instead go for kitty-safe ones such as palms, staghorn fern, Christmas cactus, African violet, baby’s tears, among many others. ... Plants Non-Toxic to Cats. The Snake plants (Sansevieria Trifasciata) are evergreen plants that are often kept at home for their air purifying abilities. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t affect our lovely furry friends. Unfortunately, it also happens to make the list of poisonous houseplants, and all parts of the plant are considered toxic to humans and pets. It is put your cat first before your plants. Eating large portions of the leaves can, in extreme cases, be fatal. Symptoms will include vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite. You can buy it from a pet store or order it online. Apart from the toxicity being mild, the overall fatality of snake plants is on the low side for all species. The toxicity level of the snake plants is very mild to pose a life threatening risk to your pet. The bitter taste of snake plants combined with a burning sensation in the mouth, makes the plant inedible. Other plants you may not suspect, like aloe vera, can be toxic for cats as well. All parts of the snake plant are toxic or poisonous to dogs because they have saponins. It is in fact mildly toxic and can cause some gastrointestinal problems. Golden Pothos (Pothos, Devil's Ivy, Taro Vine, Ivy Arum) | Scientific Names: Epipremnum aureum | Family: Araceae . Common names: Amaryllis, fire lily, lily of the palace, ridderstjerne Toxic to: Cats, dogs Symptoms: Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea (large quantities can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias) Note: The bulbs are the most poisonous part of this plant. However, the juicy leaves of many succulents can be toxic to children and pets if ingested. Snake plant The snake plant is a personal favorite for the house (following succulents, of course). Toxic to: Humans, cats and dogs. Recovery is expected within a day or two. Chewing or consuming any part of snake plants in excess puts humans and animals at the risk of developing severe allergic reactions. Cat grass is very safe, but can sometimes result in vomiting when ingested. Snake plant, a versatile and very popular houseplant, is not safe for cats. Some of its common varieties include black gold, futura robusta, futura superba, cylindrica, golden hahnii, blackjack, black robusta while the compacta, hahnii, Laurentii, and the Silbersee are some its popular cultivars. Many toxic plants are irritants: they cause localized inflammation of the skin, mouth, stomach, etc. 19 Air Purifying House Plants that are Poisonous and Toxic to Cats and Dogs As we mentioned at the start of this article 19 of the 30 great detoxifying plants that were listed over on Sound Body Life were found to be poisonous and toxic to cats and dogs. It can grow between 6-42 inches tall. However, a few potted poisonous plants are known for being highly toxic, so be sure to steer clear of succulents (especially if you have curious cats), snake plant, and oleander, which can even be toxic to young children! If there are visible bits of leaves in the cat’s mouth and teeth, try to remove them. Kapectolin – to protect the cat’s stomach lining by providing a coating, Sucralfate – to reduce gastrointestinal irritation by interacting with digestive acids and creating a protective barrier. After a thorough evaluation, your vet may prescribe a couple of medications. Baby's Breath. Cats: All parts of the plant are thought to be toxic. It is not usually, however, life-threatening. So, while not considered toxic to cats, the spider plant should still be hung or placed high. Your vet may also prescribe Kapectolin to protect your feline’s stomach lining or Sucralfate to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. This will presumably convince your cat to leave the plant alone and look somewhere else for tastier food. This post may contain affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. Snake Plant Care – How to grow Mother In Law’s Tongue, Sansevieria Trifasciata Laurentii – How to grow and care for the snake plant, Viper’s bowstring hemp – How to grow and cultivate the plant, Swelling of organs such as tongue, mouth, lips, throat. In fact, the spider plant is listed as non toxic to cats and other pets on the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website along with many other educational sites. Poisonous Plants For Cats: Although sometimes you are tempted to offer your cat some of what you are eating, you must bear in mind that the best way to feed it is through the combination of dry and wet feed. Chlorophytum Comosum, airplane plants, or spider plants are safe for cats and other pets, i.e., they are not toxic or poisonous to not just your cats but also dogs and horses. All parts of this plant are very bitter in taste, making it relatively non palatable. Try to find out the species name of the snake plant that your cat has eaten, and cut a leaf sample to take it with you to the vet. With any of these above severely poisonous plants for … While snake plants are non-toxic for humans, the ASPCA reports they are toxic for both cats and dogs and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. We all love enjoying the beautiful growth that comes with the change in seasons, and with a little precaution, everyone can stay safe! There are plenty of safe plants out there to decorate and increase the air quality in the home without harming your pets. Generally, only a mild reaction will occur from snake plant consumption. The veterinarian may perform a physical examination to check the condition and if there are any abnormalities. Are snake plants toxic to cats? At first, the vet will ensure all the plant matter is removed from the cat’s mouth before starting any further treatment. The plant contains a toxic chemical called Saponin that can cause distressing reactions. Alternately, you can use chicken baby food. Over the next two days, reduce the amount of chicken+rice gradually and swap it with regular cat food. Follow the medicine regimen carefully so ensure a quick recovery. Saponin is present in the long upright leaves and stem of the plant, parts that are easily accessible. While it is common knowledge that lilies (all parts of the plant) are poisonous to cats, many other plants can be dangerous if eaten. Bring the cat’s full medical history to the clinic. Clinical Signs: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Required fields are marked *. However, it won’t cause any poisoning in cats. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Saving snake plants from pests: Insects, bacteria, fungus and more. Although peace lilies are not true lilies, they are still toxic to humans and pets. The toxic principle in other plants may have a systemic effect and damage or alter the function of a cat’s organs, like the kidney or heart. Such a response can ultimately cause a serious threat to life. Treatments will involve mainly supportive care to ensure your feline pal recovers fast and removing any remaining Sansevieria trifasciata in your cat’s mouth and teeth. Because, these are common signs of poisoning and can be caused by different things. Since the snake plant is not cat-friendly, avoid having them or any others that poisonous to cats. Which parts of snake plants are poisonous? Whether it is a curious little kitten or a bored restless cat, they may ingest houseplants or outdoor ornamental plants. Let us find out if ZZ plant safe for cats?Are snake plants poisonous to cats?And also we will see 10 Plants Safe For Cats.. Well, the short answer is yes. We are passionate pet and animal enthusiasts bringing insightful information to ensure your furry, flying or finned friends are happy and in good health. Squeeze a lemon or orange zest on the pot rims to create a strong pet repellent scent. Snake plants are indeed amazing, and with so many benefits, but they are still toxic to your cat. If it nibbles too much, Jade plant poisoning can be fatal. Saponin is produced to act as a natural insecticide and fungicide. But beyond the allure of snagging the spiderettes, spider plants are hallucinogenic to cats. Cats and poisonous flowers and plants. Yes, they get kitties high and too much can be bad for their tummies, causing vomiting and diarrhea. However, if your cat has consumed a big amount of toxins, it might be dangerous. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Firstly, it can tolerate indoor environments that are brightly or poorly lit. Poisoning from snake plants (Mother in law’s tongue) is very unlikely to kill your pet, since it is mildly toxic. Here are some tips and quick fixes for preventing your pets from ingesting the houseplants you have. If ingested, it can potentially make cats very sick. However, some curious cats might be keen on tasting the plant. notes. Kalanchoe is florist’s favorite plant, and without a doubt, it’s one of the best flowering succulents.While it’s non-toxic to humans, it’s toxic to cats, dogs, and livestock.. Due to the taste, your pet will not ingest it to the lethal level, but it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal beating of the heart. So, is the snake plant toxic for cats? But several beautiful plants such as Sansevieria Trifasciata or snake plants are not pet-friendly. Prognosis is good as Sansevieria trifasciata is not likely to kill your pet since its toxicity is mild to moderate. All rights reserved. IV fluids may be recommended in case of vomiting and diarrhea while antihistamine will help reduce swelling in case of an allergic reaction. How to prevent your cat from eating houseplants? For instance, antihistamines are used to reduce swelling and open airways in case of allergic reactions. During the recovery time, be sure to take particularly good care of your cat. If a cat eats the plant frequently, she can suffer from anorexia and tremors. Be sure to keep the room’s door closed. These flowers and fruits are also toxic, and should be avoided for consumption. Buy It: Reverse Variegated Spider Plant in a 4″ Pot, $13.99, Amazon. In short, a snake plant will not kill your cat. This is largely due to the snake plant doing so well in lowlight conditions. Watch our video, featuring our expert vet Alison, as she meets a florist to discuss the dangers that some flowers pose to … Finally, it can thrive in a warmer and cooler climate, i.e., in warmer climates, it is used in the garden or for landscaping as well as indoors. Bearded Dragon Basking and Nighttime Temperature, Best Terrarium, Vivarium, or Tank Heat Sources, Bearded Dragon Tank Setup Ideas and Placement. Nearly all dogs and cats hate the smell of citrus. Your email address will not be published. Their impressive long foliage and ease of maintenance makes them one of the best houseplants to keep indoors or outdoors. Make sure to move the plant to an area in your home that your cat cannot reach, preferably on a high shelf. With houseplant collecting becoming more popular, Jade plants are making a comeback. Most kitties will not bite it again once they realize it is bitter.