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Is Byfield Fern Cycad toxic to cats?

Bowenia spectabilis

Toxic to cats

Yes — byfield fern 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. Bowenia spectabilis is a cycad and contains macrozamin and other azoxy glycosides — potent hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Seeds are most concentrated but fronds and the underground tuber are also dangerous. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate byfield fern cycad

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

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

Is byfield fern cycad toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is byfield fern cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — byfield fern cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Bowenia spectabilis is a cycad and contains macrozamin and other azoxy glycosides — potent hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Seeds are most concentrated but fronds and the underground tuber are also dangerous. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats byfield fern cycad?

Bowenia spectabilis is a cycad and contains macrozamin and other azoxy glycosides — potent hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Seeds are most concentrated but fronds and the underground tuber are also dangerous. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after ingestion. 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 byfield fern cycad.

What should I do if my cat ate byfield fern 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 byfield fern cycad toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Byfield Fern Cycad is toxic to dogs as well. See the full byfield fern cycad pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to byfield fern 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 byfield fern cycad pet-safety