Pet safety
Is Skinner's Zamiatoxic to cats & dogs?
Zamia skinneri
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Zamia skinneri
Is skinner's zamia safe for cats and dogs?
No — skinner's zamia is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. 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.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats skinner's zamia?
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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to skinner's zamia, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate skinner's zamia
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move skinner's zamia out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of skinner's zamia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to skinner's zamia
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Prayer plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Calathea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Parlor palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Areca palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Skinner's Zamia and pets — frequently asked questions
Is skinner's zamia toxic to cats?
Skinner's Zamia (Zamia skinneri) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. 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. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is skinner's zamia toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Skinner's Zamia (Zamia skinneri) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like skinner's zamia is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats skinner's zamia?
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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to skinner's zamia, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate skinner's zamia?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of skinner's zamia to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to skinner's zamia?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include prayer plant, calathea, parlor palm, areca palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full skinner's zamia care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete skinner's zamia care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.