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Is Solitary Fishtail Palm toxic to cats?

Caryota urens

Toxic to cats

Yes — solitary fishtail 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. The fruit and sap of Caryota urens contain calcium oxalate crystals and other irritants. The ASPCA lists Caryota mitis (a close relative) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Treat Caryota urens as toxic; contact with sap or ingestion of fruit can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting in pets.

What to do if your cat ate solitary fishtail palm

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

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

Is solitary fishtail palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is solitary fishtail palm toxic to cats?

Yes — solitary fishtail palm is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The fruit and sap of Caryota urens contain calcium oxalate crystals and other irritants. The ASPCA lists Caryota mitis (a close relative) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Treat Caryota urens as toxic; contact with sap or ingestion of fruit can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting in pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats solitary fishtail palm?

The fruit and sap of Caryota urens contain calcium oxalate crystals and other irritants. The ASPCA lists Caryota mitis (a close relative) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Treat Caryota urens as toxic; contact with sap or ingestion of fruit can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting in pets. 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 solitary fishtail palm.

What should I do if my cat ate solitary fishtail 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 solitary fishtail palm toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to solitary fishtail 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 solitary fishtail palm pet-safety