What should I do if my cat ate Snake Plant?

Remove any plant fragments from your cat's mouth and rinse the mouth gently with water. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to. Call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435), or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for next steps. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea repeats more than once or twice, if your cat becomes lethargic and stays that way for more than a few hours, if there is blood in the stool, or if breathing seems off.

What should I do if my dog ate Snake Plant?

Wipe any plant material out of your dog's mouth and offer fresh water. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to. Call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435), or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for next steps. Call right away if your dog ate a substantial amount, if vomiting or diarrhea is repeated, if the stool is bloody, if your dog is unusually weak or lethargic, or if breathing changes.

Snake Plant — (c) Cliff, some rights reserved (CC BY) — Photo by (c) Cliff, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Cliff, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Snake Plant

Q: Is Snake Plant safe for cats?

Snake Plant is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress due to saponins. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Q: Is Snake Plant safe for dogs?

Snake Plant is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains saponins which may cause irritation to the digestive tract. Consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Check a list

Dracaena trifasciataGolden Bird's NestMother-in-law's TongueSansevieria trifasciataSnake Plant

Light: Low to bright indirect light
Habit: Upright, clumping
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling.

Escalation note

Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress due to saponins. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.

Escalation note

The plant contains saponins which may cause irritation to the digestive tract. Consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Baby Rubber Plant

Peperomia obtusifolia

Baby rubber plant gives you upright, thick-leaved structure without the saponins that make snake plant irritating.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Safer pick

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis

Boston fern is non-toxic for dogs and uncertain (not flagged) for cats — a softer alternative for a bright corner.

Uncertain for cats.

Generally safe for dogs.

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Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Snake Plant is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of saponins.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Dracaena trifasciata is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial that is widely grown as a houseplant.

cats safety page My cat ate Snake Plant dogs safety page My dog ate Snake Plant

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Same Dracaena genus.

Gold Dust Dracaena

Dracaena surculosa

Dracaena surculosa is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its spotted, leathery foliage. It contains saponins which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same Dracaena genus.

Dragon Tree

Dracaena marginata

The Madagascar Dragon Tree is a popular, slow-growing indoor plant known for its slender, woody stems and spiky, colorful foliage. It contains saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same Dracaena genus.

Striped Dracaena

Dracaena deremensis

Striped Dracaena is a popular indoor foliage plant known for its long, lance-shaped leaves with distinct variegation. It contains saponins, which can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same genus

More from the Dracaena genus

Song of India

Dracaena reflexa

Dracaena reflexa is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its spiraling, lance-shaped leaves and woody stems. It contains saponins which can cause gastrointestinal and neurological distress if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Devil's Ivy is a popular trailing houseplant known for its heart-shaped leaves and ease of care. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.