Is Snake Plant Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
The short answer
Dracaena trifasciata, commonly grown as a houseplant, is toxic to cats and also toxic to dogs. This toxic classification applies to both pets equally, so households with either animal should treat the plant as a hazard. If you keep cats or dogs at home, it is worth keeping this plant out of reach, given its toxic rating for both species. This holds true whether the plant is grown as an indoor houseplant or kept outdoors.
Toxic principle and parts
- Toxic principle
- Saponins and saponins123
- Toxic parts
- Flowers, fruit, leaves, roots and bulbs, sap and stems32
The specific toxic principle in Dracaena trifasciata is not documented, though the plant is listed as toxic to cats and dogs. No single part, such as the leaves or sap, is named as the toxic part behind that listing. Because of that gap, treat every part of the plant as a possible risk to a cat or dog that chews it. This includes the leaves, the sap and the roots. Until the exact toxic principle and parts are documented, assume the whole plant poses a risk to both species. Do not assume any single part is safe just because it is not named.
Reported signs
- Reported signs
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood, Diarrhea, Nausea, Reduced appetite, Excessive drooling, Dilated pupils, seen in cats, Unsteady gait, seen in cats, Lethargy or depression, Skin irritation from contact with the sap, vomiting, sometimes with blood, diarrhea, nausea, drooling, reduced appetite, lethargy, dilated pupils in cats and skin irritation on contact with the sap1343
- Severity (cats)
- Mild3
No specific clinical signs for Dracaena trifasciata are documented, even though cats and dogs are both listed as at risk. This page cannot describe what a reaction might look like in your pet. It can only confirm that a reaction is possible in either species. Because the exact signs are not documented, do not wait for one particular symptom before acting. Act as soon as you know or suspect your cat or dog has chewed on this plant. Any change in behavior after contact with the plant is worth treating seriously in an animal already flagged as at risk. This plant carries a toxic listing for both cats and dogs, so err on the side of caution.
What to do
Because this plant is toxic to cats and dogs, act quickly if your pet chews on it. Move your pet away from the plant right away, since it carries a toxic rating for both species. If you can safely remove any plant material from its mouth, do so, given the toxic risk for cats and dogs. Call your vet or a pet poison line right away, since this plant is toxic to both cats and dogs, rather than waiting for symptoms. Bring a piece of the plant, or a photo, when you seek advice, so the vet can confirm this is the toxic plant involved. Watch your pet closely afterward and follow the advice you are given, since this species is known to be toxic to cats and dogs.
Pet-safe alternatives
Since this plant is toxic to both cats and dogs, you may want a similar-looking plant that will not put your pets at risk. The list below suggests alternatives that are considered safe for cats and dogs, so you can get a comparable look without the same toxicity concern. Each alternative on the list carries its own safety record for cats and dogs, separate from the toxic rating for Dracaena trifasciata itself.
Back to the Snake Plant care guide
Sources
- ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/snake-plant. Accessed 23 September 2026.
- Pet Poison Helpline. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/sansevieria/. Accessed 23 September 2026.
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dracaena-trifasciata/. Accessed 23 September 2026.
- Pet Poison Helpline. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/mother-in-laws-tongue/. Accessed 23 September 2026.
How this page was made
- Written with AI assistance from the sources listed on this page. AI is never the source of a fact.