What are the symptoms if a cat eats Snake Plant / Mother-in-Law’s Tongue?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation, Hemolysis (the rupture or destruction of red blood cells)

✕ Toxic

Snake Plant / Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

Q: Is Snake Plant / Mother-in-Law’s Tongue toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.), also called Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is an extremely popular and hardy houseplant. Its tough, upright leaves make it a common decorative choice, but it is mildly toxic to cats if chewed or eaten. The plant contains chemical compounds called saponins, which act as natural detergents and have a foaming quality. These substances are irritating to the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract. When a cat bites into a leaf, the saponins can cause a localized reaction and stomach upset. Symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting. A cat might drool, vomit, have diarrhea, or lose its appetite for a short time. While the effects are not usually severe, it is best to keep snake plants out of reach to prevent your cat from feeling unwell. If symptoms persist or seem severe, it is always best to contact a veterinarian for advice.

Sansevieria spp.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.), also called Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is an extremely popular and hardy houseplant. Its tough, upright leaves make it a common decorative choice, but it is mildly toxic to cats if chewed or eaten. The plant contains chemical compounds called saponins, which act as natural detergents and have a foaming quality. These substances are irritating to the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract. When a cat bites into a leaf, the saponins can cause a localized reaction and stomach upset. Symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting. A cat might drool, vomit, have diarrhea, or lose its appetite for a short time. While the effects are not usually severe, it is best to keep snake plants out of reach to prevent your cat from feeling unwell. If symptoms persist or seem severe, it is always best to contact a veterinarian for advice.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: steroidal saponins throughout the leaves

Mechanism: saponins disrupt cell membrane integrity and irritate the GI mucosa; cats may show the characteristic dilated pupils (mydriasis) seen with Dracaena saponin exposure

Symptoms: vomiting (sometimes blood-tinged), drooling, loss of appetite, lethargy, dilated pupils

The plant is low-growing and often accessible to cats on the floor — consider relocating to higher shelves

Symptoms are usually mild and self-limiting; consult your vet if vomiting is severe or pupils remain dilated

Potentially Toxic Parts

Leaf

Flower

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation

Gastrointestinal

Hemolysis (the rupture or destruction of red blood cells)

Gastrointestinal

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.