Sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a resilient green favorite among indoor gardeners. These plants thrive in both brightly lit rooms and dark corners. However, pet owners, especially those with cats, often wonder how safe these plants are for their pets.
Sansevieria contains chemical compounds known as saponins. These natural compounds help the plant defend itself against pests and pathogens.
Although saponins contribute to the plant's survival, they can be harmful to pets. If a cat ingests part of the plant, saponins can cause poisoning, accompanied by symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to lethargy and dehydration.
While saponin poisoning is rarely fatal, it can harm the health of the pet. These compounds irritate the gastrointestinal tract lining in cats, causing vomiting and diarrhea.