Snake plants are popular succulents that bring interesting and varied foliage to your home. These exotic plants are also low-maintenance and have several outstanding benefits. However, knowing whether snake plants are safe for pets like cats and dogs in the home is essential. In this article, I’ll find out whether snake plants are pet friendly.
Are Snake Plants Pet Friendly?
The ASPCA (American Society for the Protection of Animals) categorizes snake plants as toxic to cats and dogs. Snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata) are moderately toxic to pets because the leaves contain organic chemicals called saponins.
These chemicals act as a defense mechanism for snake plants. Saponins have a bitter taste and cause gastronomic discomfort in grazing animals. This protects snake plants from being eaten by animals but isn’t great for pets.
What Effects Do Snake Plants Have on Pets?
Snake plants are moderately toxic to cats and dogs. When pets eat part of a snake plant, they will typically experience mild diarrhea or vomiting. The saponins in the snake plant’s leaves can also cause pets to drool excessively.
In most cases, these effects shouldn’t be too serious if your pet only eats a small part of the plant. However, if your pet consumes larger amounts, the effects will be more severe.
What to Do if Your Pet Consumes a Snake Plant
If your pet has eaten part of a snake plant, contact your veterinarian for advice. You’ll have to keep an eye on your pet for a few hours to see if their symptoms get worse. If advised to do so, book an emergency appointment with your local vet.
Make sure that your pet stays hydrated. You should also prevent your pet from eating any more of the snake plant. In some cases, your veterinarian may advise you to induce your pet to vomit. This helps your pet get parts of the snake plant out of its system.
How to Keep Pets Away From Snake Plants
Although snake plants are moderately toxic to pets, you can still enjoy these interesting houseplants. However, it’s best to keep snake plants away from curious pets. Place your snake plant somewhere where your pet can’t reach. Alternatively, keep your snake plant in a room where your pet isn’t allowed.
You may also be able to train your pet not to investigate your snake plant. If you’re growing snake plants outside, use fences or other barriers to keep your pets away from them.
Alternatively, you can use companion plants to deter your pets from getting close to your snake plants. Companion plants form barriers of prickly foliage or emit strong fragrances that cats and dogs don’t like.
About Snake Plants
Snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata) are evergreen succulents from the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). Snake plants were formerly part of the Sansevieria genus but are now part of the Dracaena genus. These interesting succulents are native to tropical regions of West Africa.
Snake plants grow and spread via underground rhizomes. These evergreen plants form rosettes of succulent, lance-shaped leaves. These leaves are usually decorated with striped markings and yellowish-green edges. However, different types of snake plants have more unique foliage.
These fantastic succulents are low-maintenance houseplants that can also thrive outdoors in USDA Zones 8 to 11. Snake plants growing indoors need lots of bright, indirect light with a few hours of shade. Snake plants also need well-draining soil mixes that can still hold some moisture.
Are Snake Plants Pet Friendly FAQs
Are Snake Plants OK for Dogs and Cats?
Snake plants are moderately toxic to both dogs and cats. If you do still want to have a snake plant, keep it somewhere that your pets can’t access. This protects both your snake plant and your pets.
Can I Have a Snake Plant With a Cat?
Although snake plants are moderately toxic to cats, you can have both. However, you’ll need to keep your snake plant somewhere that your cat can’t access.
What Do I Do If My Cat Chewed On a Snake Plant?
If your cat has chewed on and swallowed part of a snake plant, monitor them closely. They may experience diarrhea or vomiting. Call your veterinarian and follow their advice. If necessary, bring your cat in for an emergency appointment.
Wrapping Up
Snake plants are moderately toxic to cats and dogs and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive drooling. This is due to organic chemicals called saponins, which are present in snake plant leaves. Keep your snake plant out of reach of curious pets. If your pet does consume a snake plant, call your veterinarian and follow their advice.
For more, see our in-depth guide to snake plant care at home.
Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.
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