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Is Bolivian Zamia toxic to cats?

Zamia boliviana

Toxic to cats

Yes — bolivian zamia 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. Zamia boliviana contains cycasin and macrozamin throughout all tissues — the azoxy glycoside toxins characteristic of the entire Zamia genus. The ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats, with effects including acute liver failure, gastrointestinal distress, neurological damage, and potential fatality. Seeds are the most concentrated source. Keep all parts away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate bolivian zamia

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bolivian zamia 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 bolivian zamia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is bolivian zamia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bolivian zamia toxic to cats?

Yes — bolivian zamia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Zamia boliviana contains cycasin and macrozamin throughout all tissues — the azoxy glycoside toxins characteristic of the entire Zamia genus. The ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats, with effects including acute liver failure, gastrointestinal distress, neurological damage, and potential fatality. Seeds are the most concentrated source. Keep all parts away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bolivian zamia?

Zamia boliviana contains cycasin and macrozamin throughout all tissues — the azoxy glycoside toxins characteristic of the entire Zamia genus. The ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats, with effects including acute liver failure, gastrointestinal distress, neurological damage, and potential fatality. Seeds are the most concentrated source. Keep all parts away from pets and children. 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 bolivian zamia.

What should I do if my cat ate bolivian zamia?

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 bolivian zamia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bolivian Zamia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bolivian zamia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bolivian zamia?

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 bolivian zamia pet-safety