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If your cat ate skinner's 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.

Skinner's Zamia is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Skinner's Zamia — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take skinner's 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 skinner's zamia — FAQ

Is skinner's zamia poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Skinner's Zamia (Zamia skinneri) as toxic to cats. Zamia skinneri contains cycasin and macrozamin — azoxy glycosides present throughout all plant parts — which cause acute liver failure and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and are hazardous to humans. The ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxin and must be kept away from children and pets.

How serious is it if my cat ate skinner's zamia?

Skinner's 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. Zamia skinneri contains cycasin and macrozamin — azoxy glycosides present throughout all plant parts — which cause acute liver failure and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and are hazardous to humans. The ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxin and must be kept away from children and pets. 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 skinner's 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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