Pet emergency
My cat ate Sandstone Cycad — what to do
Step by step
- Take sandstone 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 sandstone cycad — FAQ
Is sandstone cycad poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Sandstone Cycad (Macrozamia diplomera) as toxic to cats. Macrozamia diplomera, like all Macrozamia species, contains cycasin and related toxic compounds throughout all tissues. Severely toxic to dogs, cats, and humans; seeds are the most dangerous part. The ASPCA lists cycads as toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and potentially fatal liver failure. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment.
How serious is it if my cat ate sandstone cycad?
Sandstone 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. Macrozamia diplomera, like all Macrozamia species, contains cycasin and related toxic compounds throughout all tissues. Severely toxic to dogs, cats, and humans; seeds are the most dangerous part. The ASPCA lists cycads as toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and potentially fatal liver failure. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment. 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 sandstone cycad well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is sandstone cycad toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Sandstone Cycad and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide