Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Barter's Cycad toxic to cats?

Encephalartos barteri

Toxic to cats

Yes — barter's cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts of Encephalartos barteri contain cycasin and related glycosides. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or humans causes severe vomiting, hepatotoxicity, and potentially fatal neurological damage. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxin. ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic to pets. Any ingestion requires immediate veterinary emergency care.

What to do if your cat ate barter's cycad

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move barter's cycad out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of barter's cycad to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten barter's cycad, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is barter's cycad toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is barter's cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — barter's cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Encephalartos barteri contain cycasin and related glycosides. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or humans causes severe vomiting, hepatotoxicity, and potentially fatal neurological damage. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxin. ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic to pets. Any ingestion requires immediate veterinary emergency care.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats barter's cycad?

All parts of Encephalartos barteri contain cycasin and related glycosides. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or humans causes severe vomiting, hepatotoxicity, and potentially fatal neurological damage. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxin. ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic to pets. Any ingestion requires immediate veterinary emergency care. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to barter's cycad.

What should I do if my cat ate barter's cycad?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is barter's cycad toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Barter's Cycad is toxic to dogs as well. See the full barter's cycad pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to barter's cycad?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full barter's cycad pet-safety