Pet emergency
My cat ate Australian Foxtail Cycad — what to do
Step by step
- Take australian foxtail cycad away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate australian foxtail cycad — FAQ
Is australian foxtail cycad poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Australian Foxtail Cycad (Macrozamia communis) as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. Macrozamia is a cycad (order Cycadales) containing cycasin and macrozamin, consistent with the ASPCA's toxic listing for sago palm and related cycads. The large, brightly coloured seeds are especially poisonous; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, liver failure and neurological signs. Treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency.
How serious is it if my cat ate australian foxtail cycad?
Australian Foxtail Cycad is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Toxic to cats and dogs. Macrozamia is a cycad (order Cycadales) containing cycasin and macrozamin, consistent with the ASPCA's toxic listing for sago palm and related cycads. The large, brightly coloured seeds are especially poisonous; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, liver failure and neurological signs. Treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep australian foxtail cycad well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is australian foxtail cycad toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Australian Foxtail Cycad and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide