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Pet safety

Is Breadtree toxic to cats?

Encephalartos caffer

Toxic to cats

Yes — breadtree 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 caffer are toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Seeds and pith contain cycasin (azoxymethanol glycosides) causing liver necrosis, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and potentially fatal poisoning. Historical human use required extensive fermentation and leaching to detoxify the pith — raw consumption is dangerous. ASPCA classifies all cycads as severely toxic to pets.

What to do if your cat ate breadtree

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

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

Is breadtree toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is breadtree toxic to cats?

Yes — breadtree 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 caffer are toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Seeds and pith contain cycasin (azoxymethanol glycosides) causing liver necrosis, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and potentially fatal poisoning. Historical human use required extensive fermentation and leaching to detoxify the pith — raw consumption is dangerous. ASPCA classifies all cycads as severely toxic to pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats breadtree?

All parts of Encephalartos caffer are toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Seeds and pith contain cycasin (azoxymethanol glycosides) causing liver necrosis, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and potentially fatal poisoning. Historical human use required extensive fermentation and leaching to detoxify the pith — raw consumption is dangerous. ASPCA classifies all cycads as severely toxic to pets. 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 breadtree.

What should I do if my cat ate breadtree?

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 breadtree toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to breadtree?

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 breadtree pet-safety