The Truth About Snake Plant Safe for Cats

Having some plants at home can make your house look beautiful. However, if you have a pet, you have to think twice to have a plant in your house, because there are some plants which are dangerous for your pets such as cats. Do you have a snake plant in your house? Are you curious whether this plant is safe or not? Let’s find the facts below.

Snake Plant Is Not Safe For Your Cats

Usually, cats bite plants to get more nutrients and fiber. However, they do not know the difference between bad plants and good plants. So, it is possible for them to bite bad plants which can harm them. So, if you have cats and you want to have a plant in your house, you need to know whether the plant is safe or not for your cats.

Now, how about snake plants? Is it safe for cats? The answer is no. Snake plant which is scientifically referred to as Sansevieria trifasciata is toxic to cats. This plant has chemical compounds named saponins where it can result in feline nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting if your cat consumes it.

Same as aloe vera, snake plant is milder in toxicity to cats. So, the effect of snake plants on your cats are usually mild reactions. Where is the toxic found in snake plants? The toxic substance can be found in all parts of it. It means that if your cats are near this plant, you have to be careful and make sure that your cats do not bite it.

Even though snake plants are toxic, the toxin level is very low to give a threat to your pet. The effect of the toxin is usually limited to stomach upset. So, this plant will not kill your cats. However, you need to note that it will be affected to the extent that you may want to take your cat to the vet. So, when you find that your cat bites or eats a snake plant, it is better for you to take it to the vet, moreover if your cat indicates the symptoms. So, what are the symptoms of a snake plant poison in cats?

Usually, the symptoms that your cat will show after consuming snake plants are related to the digestive system. It is because the plant is very indigestible. Here are the symptoms of a snake plant poison in cats.

Nausea
Depression
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Excessive drooling
Swelling of tissue organs such as tongue, lips, mouth etc.

If you find that your cats or any other pets show the above symptoms or allergic reactions, you have to take them to the vet immediately. Besides the symptoms above, you may also find the plant materials in the mouth of your cat or some bite marks on the leaves of your snake plant. When you get your cat to the vet, you also have to bring your cat’s medical history so that the vet will be helped to determine any complications which may happen due to the toxin of the snake plant.

Treatment For A Cat Which Has Eaten Snake Plant

If you are sure that your cat has consumed the snake plant, you have to be able to avoid further ingestion of the similar plant by your cat.

When you take your cat to a veterinarian, your vet will treat your cat where the vet will make sure that the plant matter is removed completely from the mouth of the cat before the vet does further treatment. If the cat does not vomit, the vet may force your cat to vomit by giving the cat a teaspoon full or 3% hydrogen peroxide orally. During this time, you have to make sure that you give your cat a lot of water to drink. It is done to prevent potential dehydration as a result of diarrhea. Your vet may also require you to take any further care to enhance the recovery of your cat. If you want to give medicine, the most recommended for diarrhea prevention is the Kapectolin. It can be given at the rate of 1 to 2 ml/ kg 4 times a day.

You do not have to be worried much about your cat, because your cat will recover in a day or two days. The toxins from snake plants seldom cause serious illness and death to cats. However, now you have to make sure that your cat is far from your snake plant. Or, it is better for you not to have a snake plant for the safety of your cat.

Plants That Can Be Eaten by Cats

Even though snake plants are dangerous for your cats, but it does not mean that all plants are dangerous. There are some other plants which are safe for your cats as mentioned below. So, you can have these plants and do not have to be worried if they are eaten by your cats.

Grass

Grass can appeal to cats. Usually, cats like grass, especially cat grass and lemongrass.

Herbs

Herbs are safe for your cats. So, if you have a plan to plant them, it is a good idea. The best herb that you can plant is the rosemary herb because it is not only for cooking, but also your cat likes it since it is a natural flea repellant.

Valerian

For cats, this plant acts as a stimulant. It will be able to give your cat energy and all the good sensations.

Spider Plants

This plant will be good for your house. For your cat, this plant will give stimulant qualities and also stringy bouncy leaves to bat at.

Other Dangerous Plants for Cats

Besides snake plants, there are some other dangerous plants for cats. So, you have to consider when you want to have the plants while you have cats or maybe other pets at your house. Here are some other dangerous plants for cats.