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Is Cardboard Palm toxic to cats?

Zamia furfuracea

Toxic to cats

Yes — cardboard palm 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. Despite the "palm" name, this is a cycad, and the ASPCA lists Cardboard Palm (Zamia spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain cycasin; the seeds are the most poisonous, and the ASPCA warns that 1-2 seeds can be fatal, with signs including vomiting (sometimes bloody), jaundice, bruising, and acute liver failure. Treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency.

What to do if your cat ate cardboard palm

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

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

Is cardboard palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cardboard palm toxic to cats?

Yes — cardboard palm is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic. Despite the "palm" name, this is a cycad, and the ASPCA lists Cardboard Palm (Zamia spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain cycasin; the seeds are the most poisonous, and the ASPCA warns that 1-2 seeds can be fatal, with signs including vomiting (sometimes bloody), jaundice, bruising, and acute liver failure. Treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cardboard palm?

Toxic. Despite the "palm" name, this is a cycad, and the ASPCA lists Cardboard Palm (Zamia spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain cycasin; the seeds are the most poisonous, and the ASPCA warns that 1-2 seeds can be fatal, with signs including vomiting (sometimes bloody), jaundice, bruising, and acute liver failure. Treat any 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 cardboard palm.

What should I do if my cat ate cardboard palm?

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 palm toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cardboard palm?

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 palm pet-safety