# AI recommends snake plant (Sansevieria) for cat room without warning about saponin toxicity causing gastrointestinal upset and drooling

- **ID:** `pet-safety/ai-recommends-snake-plant-for-cat-room-without-saponin-warning`
- **Domain:** pet-safety
- **Category:** data_error
- **Error Code:** `PET-PLANT-SANSE-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Snake plants contain saponins that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation in cats when ingested, though rarely fatal, they cause significant distress.

## Workarounds

1. **Replace snake plant with cat-safe alternatives like spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) or Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). Place any toxic plants in hanging baskets inaccessible to cats.** (90% success)
   ```
   Replace snake plant with cat-safe alternatives like spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) or Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). Place any toxic plants in hanging baskets inaccessible to cats.
   ```
2. **If cat ingests snake plant, remove plant material from mouth, offer fresh water, and monitor for symptoms. Contact veterinarian if vomiting persists more than 2 hours or if cat becomes lethargic.** (70% success)
   ```
   If cat ingests snake plant, remove plant material from mouth, offer fresh water, and monitor for symptoms. Contact veterinarian if vomiting persists more than 2 hours or if cat becomes lethargic.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Placing snake plant on a high shelf, assuming cats cannot jump to reach it (cats are agile climbers and may still access it) (60% fail)
- **** — Misting leaves with water to make them less appealing (does not reduce saponin content; cats may still chew leaves) (50% fail)
- **** — Recommending the plant anyway because 'it's only mildly toxic' (ignores welfare and potential emergency vet visit) (80% fail)