Snake Plants and Cats: Is Your Feline Friend at Risk?

Since the dawn of time, humans have had a deep connection with nature. Plants are one of the more familiar faces of nature for people. Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are popular houseplants that are appreciated for their hardiness and unique appearance. They can thrive in various conditions, making them a favorite choice for novice and experienced gardeners. Although there is no doubt that humans love all that is green, humanity also has an interest in keeping animals close. Cats are one of the pets humans tend to keep around. You can agree that cats are lovely animals to have around. If you are here, you may wonder if having Sansevieria while having a cat around the house is safe. In this article, not only will I be answering the posed question, but I will also give you some general information you might find interesting or useful.

Common Names and Scientific Classification

Apart from being called the snake plant, Sansevieria is also known by several other names, such as Golden Bird’s Nest, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Good Luck Plant, and Viper’s Bowstring Hemp. Everyone has a different name for it; my mother calls it Sun-so-re-ah. Weird, right? Scientifically, it’s classified as Sansevieria trifasciata. It has been categorized as one of the members of the Asparagaceae family, and it’s native to West Africa.

Popular Uses and Benefits

The snake plant is not just admired for its beauty; it’s also known for its many redeeming qualities. These qualities have been proven scientifically and, by no means, aren’t some random myths found on the internet.

• Filter Indoor Air: I’m not a professional on this topic, but don’t all plants filter air by producing oxygen? Sansevieria is one of the best options available for this matter; that is, it produces more oxygen than other houseplants—or at least, that’s what a study conducted by Harvard suggests.
• Beauty: Although some argue that beauty cannot be proven by science, which they are right, of course, statistics have shown that many people who have ever had Sansevieria thought it was a more beautiful plant compared to the other options available to them. One thing is certain, though: It has a unique appearance.
• Even More Filtering Indoor Air: I already said it filters indoor air, but that was mainly about how Sansevieria can help you with CO2. Other than that, Sansevieria can absorb formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene. The increased amount of any of these pollutants in the air means less oxygen, which can cause dizziness and nausea.
• Nightshift: As you know, plants cannot photosynthesize without sunlight at night, so they cannot produce oxygen. However, Sansevieria has the ability to perform a certain type of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, which causes the plant to absorb CO2 even at night.
• Allergies: Researchers at the University of Hawaii have found that Sansevieria can be helpful in allergies, causing less severe symptoms and even stopping them entirely.
• Feng Shui: In feng shui, it is believed that pointy objects, such as our little friend here, are good against negative chi. They should be placed in your place’s southeastern, southern, or eastern corners.
• Cheap: The most important benefit of the Sansevieria plant is its affordability. It can live independently and continue to grow even while neglected, that is, without water, sunlight, etc.

The Importance of Cat Enrichment with Plants

The Importance of Cat Enrichment with Plants

Cats are naturally curious creatures. When they’re indoors, their environment becomes their playground. This includes your furniture, spaces, and even plants. Many homeowners introduce cat-friendly plants to keep them entertained and prevent them from causing mischief. These plants beautify the space and provide cats with a natural form of enrichment. Additionally, as stated earlier in this article, cats tend to nibble on plants. Most plants are nutritious and can nourish and provide the cat with what its body needs.

The Relationship Between Cats and Snake Plants

There can be a state of the relationship between virtually every two things, and there are three possible results: friendly, nothing, and hostile. Please pardon my humor, for I mean to say that while some foods or plants can be nutritious for cats, some can be toxic for them, which, in our case, is the Snake Plant.

Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?

Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?

To give you a brief answer, yes, Snake plants are toxic to cats. Cats, like humans, tend to eat green stuff to get the nutrients they need. The problem is that cats need help finding out which plant to eat and which not to. When ingested, snake plants can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in our feline friends. According to ASCPA, a chemical compound in Sansevieria called saponins and some minor ones are responsible for the said problems.

Symptoms of Snake Plant Poisoning in Cats

As said before, if a cat has ingested parts of a snake plant, it may exhibit signs of poisoning, such as:

• Nausea or Vomiting: When ingested, saponins cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. There are some methods to help cats with nausea. These methods include administering oral antacids, anti-nausea medications, and intravenous fluid therapy. Unfortunately, none of these are available at home, so you must visit a vet.
• Diarrhea: When a poisonous compound enters the body through the digestive system, the body tries to get rid of it by vomiting. While many professionals suggest that a spoonful of water can help cats during this time, it is still best to visit a professional so your cat can receive professional medical care.
• Swollen Skin: Sansevieria can irritate skin quite easily. This is particularly true for cats. If a cat has eaten Sansevieria, the skin around the mouth should be swollen and easily noticeable.

Remember, monitoring your cat and consult a veterinarian if you suspect poisoning is crucial.

Treating Snake Plant Poisoning in Depth

Before I continue, please be warned that it’s always best to visit a veterinarian and consult them for advice. However, considering that acting upon the matter is crucial, you can try these steps.

• Inducing vomiting: One of the best methods of inducing vomiting is feeding the cat, using a syringe to make it easier, and a solution of hydrogen peroxide of % three purity.
• Providing fluids intravenously: Try to give your cat a spoonful of water every 30 minutes. This will help the cat’s body deal with the poison better on its own and prevent some problems and symptoms that tend to occur after the initial symptoms.
• Using antihistamines: Benadryl is usually considered safe. However, it should be administered in certain dosages. A ratio of 1 milligram per pound of body weight is suggested.

Snake Plants and Other Animals

While cats and dogs are commonly affected by snake plant toxicity, other small mammals like rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and ferrets can also experience digestive issues if they chew on the plant. Since the cause of the problem is a certain chemical matter, it might also be the case with many other animals.

Why Are Snake Plants Toxic?

The main reason behind Sansevieria’s toxicity lies in a certain chemical. Of course, there are reasons to believe that other factors might also be at work. However, considering other animals can suffer similar symptoms to cats, this chemical plays an important role.

The Role of Saponins

The primary toxic component in snake plants is saponins. These are natural chemicals found in various plants. In the case of snake plants, saponins can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats when ingested. However, it’s not limited to the said effects, as it can also have neurological effects on the animal. Think of allergies and what happens when you eat something you are allergic to.

Other Plants to Watch Out For

Saponins are not the only poisonous chemical for cats, and their presence in plants is not limited to Sansevieria. The following plants are some of the options you have to be careful about if you have a cat around the house.

• Aloe Vera
• Pothos
• Jades
• Philodendron
• Dieffenbachia
• Poinsettia Plants
• Lily
• Alocasia

These are just some of the toxic plants for cats. It’s suggested that you consult a professional for advice.

Here’s a comparison table between the Snake Plant and five other houseplants that can be problematic for cats:

This table highlights the key toxic components, symptoms in cats, care level, and air-purifying capabilities for each plant, helping cat owners make informed decisions about which plants to keep at home.

Safety Precautions for Cat Owners

If you’d like to keep Sansevieria around you along with a cat at home, you need to exercise caution and take some safety measures, such as keeping the plant out of the reach of your cat or knowing what to do should your cat manage to sneak up to your Snake Plant.

Keeping Snake Plants Out of Reach

If you’re a cat owner and love having snake plants in your home, keeping them out of your cat’s reach is essential. Simply telling them not to touch it won’t work on cats. Try placing them on high shelves or in rooms without access to your cat. Remember that your chosen place should also be suitable for the plant. It means that, in the case of the Sansevieria plant, some areas, such as bathrooms with high humidity, are out of the question.

Recognizing and Responding to Poisoning

Always be vigilant. If you notice your cat exhibiting poisoning symptoms after being near a snake plant, immediately contact your local veterinarian or an emergency poison hotline. Remember, you should be able to easily tell from the skin because of irritability caused by Sansevieria.

Alternatives to Snake Plants for Cat Owners

Humans’ love for greenery knows no bounds, and if you can’t go to nature, bring nature to your home, right? Luckily for you, other plants are safe for cats and pose no health risks or other problems for them or you.

Cat Grass as a Safe Alternative for Cats

One popular choice among cat owners is cat grass. This plant serves as a natural “toy” for cats. Chewing on cat grass can aid a cat’s digestion and keep them occupied, preventing them from turning to potentially harmful plants like the snake. However, it doesn’t justify maintaining poisonous plants to cats within reach. You can use cat grass as a decoy, but you should still take precautions to avoid any unpleasant outcome.

Cat-Safe Houseplants

Several cat-safe alternatives are available for those who want to enjoy the beauty of houseplants without risking their cat’s health.

• Ponytail Palm: Requires minimal light and can be a great snake plant alternative.
• Air Plants: Perfect for terrarium enthusiasts and require little maintenance.
• Calathea Prayer Plant: Striped leaves are similar to snake plants but are safe for cats.
• Rattlesnake Plant: This is not to be confused with snake plants; these are safe and require minimal attention.
• Calathea Zebra: A smaller Calathea variant with signature stripes.
• Hibiscus: Known for their bright blooms, they can be a vibrant addition to homes.

These plants are considered safe for cats, so you or your cat shouldn’t have any problems around them.

Finding the Perfect Plant for Cat Owners

To find the perfect plant for you and your cat, take a close look at the lists of safe plants and plants to watch out for. If you can’t find something on the safe plants list that you like, you can always ask around for more options. There are many options out there, way more than I can count.

Conclusion: Are snake plants harmful to cats?

While snake plants offer numerous benefits, including air purification and aesthetic appeal, they pose a risk to our feline companions. If you’re a cat owner, it’s essential to be informed and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your beloved pet. Always prioritize your pet’s health and well-being; consult with a veterinarian when in doubt. If you must have both in your home, try to stay vigilant to keep them both safe: your cat from being poisoned and your Sansevieria from being eaten!

FAQs

1. Are all varieties of snake plants toxic to cats?
   • I am briefly answering yes. As far as I know, there are 21 different varieties of snake plants, all containing saponins, which is the root of our, or rather the cat’s, problem in the first place.
2. How long after ingestion will a cat show symptoms of poisoning?
   • Symptoms can appear within a few hours of ingestion, although the time can vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to the amount of digested saponins. Although all varieties of snake plants have saponins, the amount they each have may vary. Monitoring your cat closely is essential if you suspect they’ve consumed any part of a snake plant.
3. Can snake plants harm other pets like dogs?
   • Yes, snake plants are also toxic to dogs. According to the NIH, it’s best to keep them away from all pets, although scientifically speaking, they are mainly toxic to cats and dogs. To be sure, consult a professional.
4. Are there any treatments available for snake plant poisoning in cats?
   • There’s no specific antidote for snake plant poisoning, although there are certain things you can do to help alleviate your cat’s health. However, supportive care from a veterinarian is what can best help manage the symptoms and ensure the cat’s recovery.
5. How can I make my home safe for my cat while still enjoying houseplants?
   • For starters, you can go for a cat-safe plant. Regularly check plant toxicity lists and be informed about the plants you bring into your home. If you want Sansevieria or any other toxic plant around, you should keep them out of reach.