Common Cat Snake

The Common Cat Snake is a slender, nocturnal, rear-fanged snake named for its distinctive vertically elliptical pupils resembling cat eyes. It is one of the most commonly encountered mildly venomous snakes in India.

This snake possesses mild venom delivered through rear fangs (opisthoglyphous). While the venom can cause localized pain and swelling, it is not considered dangerous to humans. The venom primarily aids in subduing prey such as geckos, lizards, and small frogs.

Cat Snakes are excellent climbers and are often found in trees, bushes, and on walls of homes where they hunt geckos. They are docile but may flatten their body and strike when threatened. The triangular head shape often causes them to be mistaken for vipers, leading to unnecessary killing.