Is Snake Plant Toxic to Cats?

Dracaena trifasciata (Sansevieria)

Snake plants (now classified as Dracaena) contain saponins, which irritate the gut. A cat that chews a leaf usually vomits or gets diarrhoea, and recovers.

It is one of the most common UK houseplants because it survives neglect. Its stiff leaves are less attractive to cats than trailing vines, but not immune.

Which parts are dangerous

• leaves
• sap

What to watch for in the UK

• A common low-maintenance houseplant and office plant.
• Propagated cuttings in water are just as irritant.
• It is often recommended as 'cat safe' online — it is not.
• Keep it out of reach and offer cat grass instead.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Offer water and watch for vomiting or diarrhoea.
2. Phone your vet if it persists for more than a day.
3. Take a photo of the plant.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).