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If your cat ate grass-leaved zamia — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Grass-leaved Zamia is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Grass-leaved Zamia — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take grass-leaved zamia away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 grass-leaved zamia — FAQ

Is grass-leaved zamia poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Grass-leaved Zamia (Zamia spartea) as toxic to cats. Like all Zamia species, Zamia spartea contains cycasin and related azoxy compounds throughout all tissues. Ingestion causes acute liver failure and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and is hazardous to humans. ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxin.

How serious is it if my cat ate grass-leaved zamia?

Grass-leaved Zamia 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. Like all Zamia species, Zamia spartea contains cycasin and related azoxy compounds throughout all tissues. Ingestion causes acute liver failure and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and is hazardous to humans. ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxin. 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 grass-leaved zamia well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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