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Pet safety

Is Cardboard Cycad toxic to cats?

Encephalartos horridus

Toxic to cats

Yes — cardboard 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. ASPCA-listed under Cardboard Cycad/Cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle cycasin causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and acute liver failure; seeds are the most poisonous part with a high fatality rate. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate cardboard cycad

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

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

Is cardboard cycad toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cardboard cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — cardboard cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed under Cardboard Cycad/Cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle cycasin causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and acute liver failure; seeds are the most poisonous part with a high fatality rate. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cardboard cycad?

ASPCA-listed under Cardboard Cycad/Cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle cycasin causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and acute liver failure; seeds are the most poisonous part with a high fatality rate. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children. 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 cardboard cycad.

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

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

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