Pet safety
Is Zamia Palmtoxic to cats & dogs?
Macrozamia riedlei
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Macrozamia riedlei
Is zamia palm safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Zamia Palm is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. 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. Macrozamia riedlei contains macrozamin and cycasin — potent hepatotoxic and neurotoxic azoxy glycosides. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and humans. Seeds (red arillate) have historically caused mass livestock poisoning events. Known to cause 'zamia staggers' in cattle. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats zamia palm?
Macrozamia riedlei contains macrozamin and cycasin — potent hepatotoxic and neurotoxic azoxy glycosides. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and humans. Seeds (red arillate) have historically caused mass livestock poisoning events. Known to cause 'zamia staggers' in cattle. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment. 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 zamia palm, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate zamia palm
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move zamia palm 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 zamia palm 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 zamia palm
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)
Zamia Palm and pets — frequently asked questions
Is zamia palm toxic to cats?
Zamia Palm (Macrozamia riedlei) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Macrozamia riedlei contains macrozamin and cycasin — potent hepatotoxic and neurotoxic azoxy glycosides. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and humans. Seeds (red arillate) have historically caused mass livestock poisoning events. Known to cause 'zamia staggers' in cattle. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment. 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 zamia palm toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Zamia Palm (Macrozamia riedlei) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like zamia palm is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats zamia palm?
Macrozamia riedlei contains macrozamin and cycasin — potent hepatotoxic and neurotoxic azoxy glycosides. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and humans. Seeds (red arillate) have historically caused mass livestock poisoning events. Known to cause 'zamia staggers' in cattle. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment. 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 zamia palm, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate zamia palm?
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 zamia palm to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to zamia palm?
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 zamia palm care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete zamia palm care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.