Saponin is produced to act as a natural insecticide and fungicide. Kapectolin – to protect the cat’s stomach lining by providing a coating, Sucralfate – to reduce gastrointestinal irritation by interacting with digestive acids and creating a protective barrier. Clinical Signs: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. As many houseplants are toxic for cats, provide information about all the plants you keep indoors as well as outdoors. Here are a few more palm varieties safe for cats: Ponytail palm; Cat palm; Majesty Palm; Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) This fringy-fingered plant is often a cat favorite as those dangly babies invite a mischievous cat or kitten to play. Finally, it can thrive in a warmer and cooler climate, i.e., in warmer climates, it is used in the garden or for landscaping as well as indoors. Spider Plant. If you want to keep plants in your house, or if you let your cat out into your yard, you need to be able to accurately identify plants and flowers that are poisonous to cats. Unfortunately, it also happens to make the list of poisonous houseplants, and all parts of the plant are considered toxic to humans and pets. Because cats are covered with fur, they are unlikely to make skin contact with the plant’s sap; however, a curious cat may bite the plant and ingest its sap or flesh. When it comes to the nature of spider plants and cats, there’s no denying that cats seem to be weirdly attracted by this houseplant. Poisoning from snake plants (Mother in law’s tongue) is very unlikely to kill your pet, since it is mildly toxic. However, in cooler climates, it serves as a houseplant. Usually it should take 1-2 days. As an extra precaution, you can choose to remove snake plants from home and place it outdoors. Toxic Principles: Saponins. Saponin is present in the long upright leaves and stem of the plant, parts that are easily accessible. The bitter taste of snake plants combined with a burning sensation in the mouth, makes the plant inedible. Some of its common varieties include black gold, futura robusta, futura superba, cylindrica, golden hahnii, blackjack, black robusta while the compacta, hahnii, Laurentii, and the Silbersee are some its popular cultivars. But several beautiful plants such as Sansevieria Trifasciata or snake plants are not pet-friendly. Snake Plant. As mentioned before, Saponin is the chemical that makes snake plants toxic for pets. Peperomia is a large genus of over 1000 small perennial plants that make great houseplants. If you go to your local pet shop, you'll likely see little trays of cat grass near the register. Bearded Dragon Age and Size Chart – How Old Is Your Beardie? A complete blood test and urine test may be recommended to analyze organ functions and general health conditions. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), snake plant is a toxic houseplant for cats as well as dogs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you are certain that your cat has eaten the snake plant, make sure that the cat doesn’t eat it further. It is in fact mildly toxic and can cause some gastrointestinal problems. How to Decorate Your Place With Plants Without Killing Your Cat. The plant contains a toxic chemical called Saponin that can cause distressing reactions. Sure signs that your cat has gotten into something they shouldn't are … After a thorough evaluation, your vet may prescribe a couple of medications. Your email address will not be published. Some ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs, while others could be poisonous. Chewing or consuming any part of snake plants in excess puts humans and animals at the risk of developing severe allergic reactions. 5. Assorted Sansevieria Saponin is the chemical that makes the snake plant bitter as well. The toxicity level of the snake plants is very mild to pose a life threatening risk to your pet. Furthermore, there is another fact that decreases the likelihood of life threatening intoxication from consuming snake plants. It can grow between 6-42 inches tall. Adam-and-Eve (Arum, Lord-and-Ladies, Wake Robin, Starch Root, Bobbins, Cuckoo Plant) ... Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Snake Plant, Golden Bird's Nest, Good Luck Plant) | Scientific Names: Sansevieria trifasciata | Family: Agavaceae . Instead go for kitty-safe ones such as palms, staghorn fern, Christmas cactus, African violet, baby’s tears, among many others. Snake Plant: The snake plant is also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue as it can numb or burn the mouth. That’s why it’s important to check both the common name (like Staghorn Fern) and the scientific name (like Platycerium bifurcatum).In terms of maintenance, these guys are pretty easy going—with enough sunlight and water every one to two weeks, these wavy ferns will … Common names: Maiden's breath Toxic to: Cats, dogs Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea Barbados Lily. You probably already thought the rattlesnake plant was cool because it's pet-friendly and has some killer stripes, but you'll also be fascinated by its leaf movements. The veterinarian may perform a physical examination to check the condition and if there are any abnormalities. To protect your cat from toxic plants growing outdoors, keep the cat indoors where you have full control on objects they are exposed to. But it is strongly advisable to take him or her to the veterinarian after you see the symptoms. It also protects the plant from other microbes. The effects of snake plants in cats are usually mild reactions. Cats who have ingested this plant are expected to make a full recovery within a few days. It is known by other names including snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue, Saint George’s sword, devil’s tongue, jinn’s tongue, or viper’s bowstring hemp, good luck plant, Magic sword, golden bird’s nest, et cetera. Staghorn Fern. Snake Plant. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), snake plant is a toxic houseplant for cats as well as dogs. Most kitties will not bite it again once they realize it is bitter. We all know that cats are obligate carnivores. First aid When you are certain that your cat has eaten the snake plant, make sure that the cat doesn’t eat it further. Cats hate lemon. For instance, the snake plant can cause severe allergic reactions that result in swelling in the esophageal passage. Such a response can ultimately cause a serious threat to life. The Snake plants (Sansevieria Trifasciata) are evergreen plants that are often kept at home for their air purifying abilities. According to Joy US Garden, expect, cultivars that are “tall or short, with round, flat or concave leaves, and variegated with dark green, silver, light green, yellow, chartreuse or white.”. Your vet may also prescribe Kapectolin to protect your feline’s stomach lining or Sucralfate to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. In the worst case scenario, these reactions may result in swelling of the tissues in the oral cavity and esophagus. Usually symptoms are treated as they arise. Recovery is expected within a day or two. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats. Toxicity occurs if your kitten, puppy, cat, or dog ingests any part of this plant. Snake plant, a versatile and very popular houseplant, is not safe for cats. And because they love to climb and explore, it is difficult to keep plants out of their reach. Feed the cat a mixture of small pieces of boiled chicken breasts (skinned and boned) with rice. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Saving snake plants from pests: Insects, bacteria, fungus and more. The toxins are used by the plant as natural fungicides and insecticides. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t affect our lovely furry friends. In case your vet has recommended any specific type of food, give it to your cat at stated times. Whenever the animal eats any part of the snake plant, toxicity can occur. Signs to watch for include: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Excessive drooling Abdominal pain Loss of appetite Depression Swelling of the lips, tongue, and mouth However, if your cat has consumed a big amount of toxins, it might be dangerous. Dieffenbachia is also called Dumb Cane and is the plant that can cause paralysis of the vocal cords. Toxic Principles: Saponins. All parts of this plant are very bitter in taste, making it relatively non palatable. Other plants you may not suspect, like aloe vera, can be toxic for cats as well. Bring the cat’s full medical history to the clinic. These symptoms are mostly related to the gastrointestinal tract problems, as the plant is highly indigestible. Since spider plants are often found in hanging baskets, simply keep them (and any other potentially threatening plant) up high and out of reach from your cats. Dermatitis is a form of skin diseases that creates rash or irritation. Moreover, it’s very unlikely that your pet could tolerate eating a massive enough amount of the plant that would make it harmful. Baby's Breath. Their impressive long foliage and ease of maintenance makes them one of the best houseplants to keep indoors or outdoors. Apply the spray to the plant leaves or around the pot to protect your plant from kitty’s paws and mouth. Although the effects of consuming snake plants are not severe, you should look for these signs of poisoning: If your cat starts showing any of the above symptoms, take her or him immediately to the veterinarian for checkup. Here are a few more palm varieties safe for cats: Ponytail palm; Cat palm; Majesty Palm; Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) This fringy-fingered plant is often a cat favorite as those dangly babies invite a mischievous cat or kitten to play. The toxic substance is found in all parts of the snake plant, so you need to careful when attending to it as an indoor plant. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t affect our lovely furry friends. If you have it, you deserve to know that snake plants poisonous to cats and dogs because it has saponins as ASPCA. This will make the transition to a regular diet easier. Chlorophytum Comosum, airplane plants, or spider plants are safe for cats and other pets, i.e., they are not toxic or poisonous to not just your cats but also dogs and horses. Animals usually don’t return for a second bite, because the snake plant is bitter in taste and causes immediate burning sensation to the mouth. Over the next two days, reduce the amount of chicken+rice gradually and swap it with regular cat food. Sansevieria trifasciata is an evergreen perennial plant with “stiff, very thick leaves, often mottled with white, and clustered flowers on slender stalks,” notes Plantcaretoday.com and greenish-white flowers that grow in clusters on stalks that are slender. Belonging to family Asparagaceae, the Sansevieria trifasciata, is an indoor and outdoor ornamental plant native to West Africa, from Congo west to Nigeria, Southern Asia, and Madagascar. If there are visible bits of leaves in the cat’s mouth and teeth, try to remove them. For the plant poisoning, certain care options are used to promote fast recovery in the cat. What it Looks Like: A Rattlesnake plant is a fairly tall, with leaves that can grow 30 inches tall or more. Purple waffle plant. Both lemongrass* and cat grass are some of the best plants for cats. Snake plant is moderately toxic to people, dogs, and cats. This post may contain affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. In humans, contact with the sap of the plant can cause minor skin irritation. If you are sure that your cat hasn’t ingested the plant, still it’s better to visit a vet. Apart from the toxicity being mild, the overall fatality of snake plants is on the low side for all species. Another good idea is to sprinkle some cinnamon in the soil. It not only repels the cats, but also acts as a natural insecticide and fungicide for your snake plant. Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats. Use this to your advantage and spray a mixture of water and lemon on the plants. Some cases will not require any treatment, while others may demand a short hospital stay. Platycerium bifurcatum. The key is to seek medical attention right away. Snake plants are usually safe and show low or no toxicity in humans. Your email address will not be published. Much like the aloe plant, the snake plant contains saponins which foam when exposed to bodily fluids. Keep reading to learn more about the toxic parts of this plant, symptoms of toxicity, prevention measures and first-aid tips. In the last section of this post I’ll suggest some ways to prevent your cat from eating the plant. This will make it difficult to climb and ingest the plant, especially if you have smaller cats or kittens. Many people ask “are ferns toxic to cats”, well this one isn’t! If your cat ingests it, she will have symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, reduced appetite, depression, among other symptoms. Buy It: Reverse Variegated Spider Plant in a 4″ Pot, $13.99, Amazon. You can buy it from a pet store or order it online. Sansevieria Another of our favorite plants for use in low light environments, Sansevieria (aka Snake Plant) is another toxic beauty, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. All rights reserved. The compound Saponin is toxic for living beings and causes gastronomical reactions in humans and animals when ingested. What are other cat-friendly succulents aside from cactus? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Snake plant benefits extend beyond beauty and style. notes. Secondly, as Wikipedia states “the NASA Clean Air Study found S. trifasciatahas potential indoor air filtration qualities, removing 4 of the 5 main toxins involved in the effects of sick building syndrome.”. Examples of succulents that can harm your cat are; Crown of Thorns, Aloe Vera, Pencil Tree Plant/firestick, Silver Jade Plant, chandelier plant, snake plant or string of pearls plant. 10. Cat grass is actually any form of grass that's safe for felines to rub noses with, including barley, oat, and wheat grasses. Result in vomiting when ingested Cookie | contact Us all species s paws and.! Products independently selected by our editors pot to protect your feline ’ tongue... Of life threatening risk to your snake plant cats from eating the plant matter is removed the... Cats might be keen on tasting the plant to an area in your home or office when I my! 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