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Is Bread Tree Cycad toxic to cats?

Encephalartos altensteinii

Toxic to cats

Yes — bread tree 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. Encephalartos altensteinii is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and all Encephalartos species contain the cycad toxins. The toxic principle cycasin causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice and acute liver failure; seeds are most dangerous. Treat as highly toxic and keep away from pets and children; verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate bread tree cycad

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

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

Is bread tree cycad toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bread tree cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — bread tree cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Encephalartos altensteinii is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and all Encephalartos species contain the cycad toxins. The toxic principle cycasin causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice and acute liver failure; seeds are most dangerous. Treat as highly toxic and keep away from pets and children; verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bread tree cycad?

Encephalartos altensteinii is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and all Encephalartos species contain the cycad toxins. The toxic principle cycasin causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice and acute liver failure; seeds are most dangerous. Treat as highly toxic and keep away from pets and children; verify with a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 bread tree cycad.

What should I do if my cat ate bread tree 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 bread tree cycad toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bread Tree Cycad is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bread tree cycad pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bread tree 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 bread tree cycad pet-safety