Is Snake Plant Toxic to Cats and Dogs? Symptoms and What to Do

Updated 25 October 2026 · about 4 min read

Yes, but usually only mildly. The ASPCA lists snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata, also called mother-in-law's tongue) as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains saponins, natural compounds that upset the stomach and gut. Pets that chew it most often get nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, and serious poisoning is rare. If your pet has eaten snake plant, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Why snake plant is toxic

Snake plants contain saponins, a group of soap-like compounds that many plants use to deter animals from eating them. Saponins irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines rather than the mouth, which is why snake plant tends to cause tummy trouble rather than the instant drooling you see with pothos or monstera.

Saponins taste bitter, and the leaves are thick and fibrous, so most pets don't eat much. That's part of why snake plant poisoning is usually mild.

Symptoms of snake plant poisoning in cats and dogs

Watch for:

  • Nausea, licking lips or drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Reduced appetite
  • Lethargy

Symptoms often show up within a few hours of eating the plant and typically settle within a day. Repeated vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration, especially in small pets, so call a vet if it doesn't stop.

What to do if your pet ate snake plant

  1. Take away any leaf pieces and check your pet's mouth.
  2. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (open 24/7; a consultation fee may apply). Tell them roughly how much was eaten and when.
  3. Don't make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
  4. Keep fresh water available and watch for ongoing vomiting, diarrhea or unusual tiredness.

Most pets recover at home, but a vet may give anti-nausea medicine or fluids if your pet is losing a lot of fluid.

Are all snake plant varieties toxic?

Yes. Laurentii, Moonshine, Black Coral, Whale Fin (Dracaena masoniana), cylindrical snake plant (Dracaena angolensis, formerly Sansevieria cylindrica) and other Sansevieria types all contain saponins and should be treated as toxic to pets.

How to keep a snake plant with pets

Snake plants are one of the easier toxic plants to live with, because they're upright and not very tempting to chew. Still:

  • Put it on a stand or shelf if your dog is a chewer.
  • Watch young cats and puppies, which are more likely to chew anything new.
  • Pick up any leaves you cut off when dividing or propagating.
  • Keep leaf cuttings rooting in water out of reach.

Snake plants are slow growers and easy to overwater. Our guide on how often to water a snake plant explains how to keep it healthy.

Pet-safe alternatives to snake plant

If you want a tough, low-maintenance plant that's listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, try:

  • Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior): almost as hard to kill, and fine in low light.
  • Haworthia: a small succulent with a similar spiky look.
  • Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata): drought tolerant and forgiving.
  • Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans): tolerates lower light and occasional missed waterings.

Not sure what plant it was?

If you're not certain your plant is a snake plant, Planted can identify it from a photo so you can give your vet or poison control the right name, then check whether the rest of your plants are safe.

Common questions

Can a snake plant kill a cat?

It's very unlikely. Snake plant poisoning is usually mild and limited to stomach upset. The main concern is dehydration from repeated vomiting or diarrhea, which is why it's worth calling your vet if symptoms continue.

Is snake plant toxic to dogs more than cats?

It affects both the same way. Dogs are more likely to chew a large piece of leaf, while cats often take small bites, but the symptoms are the same.

Is snake plant toxic to humans?

It's considered mildly toxic to people if eaten, mainly causing stomach upset. The sap can also irritate sensitive skin.

Is snake plant safe for rabbits or other pets?

Treat it as unsafe for any pet that might chew it. Saponins can upset the stomach of many animals, and small pets can be affected by smaller amounts.