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Is Cape Cycad toxic to cats?

Stangeria eriopus

Toxic to cats

Yes — cape 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. As a cycad (Stangeria is the sole genus in family Stangeriaceae, order Cycadales) it contains cycasin, consistent with the ASPCA's toxic listing for sago palm and related cycads. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, liver damage and neurological signs. Treat ingestion as a veterinary emergency.

What to do if your cat ate cape cycad

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

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

Is cape cycad toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cape cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — cape cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. As a cycad (Stangeria is the sole genus in family Stangeriaceae, order Cycadales) it contains cycasin, consistent with the ASPCA's toxic listing for sago palm and related cycads. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, liver damage and neurological signs. Treat ingestion as a veterinary emergency.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cape cycad?

Toxic to cats and dogs. As a cycad (Stangeria is the sole genus in family Stangeriaceae, order Cycadales) it contains cycasin, consistent with the ASPCA's toxic listing for sago palm and related cycads. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, liver damage and neurological signs. Treat ingestion as a veterinary emergency. 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 cape cycad.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cape 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 cape cycad pet-safety