Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Califano's Dioon toxic to cats?

Dioon califanoi

Toxic to cats

Yes — califano's dioon 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 Dioon species (Zamiaceae) contain cycasin and related neurotoxic and hepatotoxic glycosides. Every part of the plant — seeds, leaves, and caudex — is toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans; seeds carry the highest concentration. ASPCA classifies cycads (including Dioon) as severely toxic to pets. Veterinary emergency care is required after any ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate califano's dioon

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

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

Is califano's dioon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is califano's dioon toxic to cats?

Yes — califano's dioon is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Dioon species (Zamiaceae) contain cycasin and related neurotoxic and hepatotoxic glycosides. Every part of the plant — seeds, leaves, and caudex — is toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans; seeds carry the highest concentration. ASPCA classifies cycads (including Dioon) as severely toxic to pets. Veterinary emergency care is required after any ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats califano's dioon?

All Dioon species (Zamiaceae) contain cycasin and related neurotoxic and hepatotoxic glycosides. Every part of the plant — seeds, leaves, and caudex — is toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans; seeds carry the highest concentration. ASPCA classifies cycads (including Dioon) as severely toxic to pets. Veterinary emergency care is required after any 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 califano's dioon.

What should I do if my cat ate califano's dioon?

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 califano's dioon toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Califano's Dioon is toxic to dogs as well. See the full califano's dioon pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to califano's dioon?

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 califano's dioon pet-safety