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Is Chestnut Dioon toxic to cats?

Dioon edule

Toxic to cats

Yes — chestnut 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. Dioon edule contains cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside), the same hepatotoxic glycoside found in all Zamiaceae cycads including Cycas revoluta (sago palm), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion causes vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, liver necrosis, and can be fatal. Seeds are particularly high in toxin concentration. Emergency veterinary treatment is required for any suspected ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate chestnut dioon

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

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

Is chestnut dioon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chestnut dioon toxic to cats?

Yes — chestnut dioon is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Dioon edule contains cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside), the same hepatotoxic glycoside found in all Zamiaceae cycads including Cycas revoluta (sago palm), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion causes vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, liver necrosis, and can be fatal. Seeds are particularly high in toxin concentration. Emergency veterinary treatment is required for any suspected ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chestnut dioon?

Dioon edule contains cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside), the same hepatotoxic glycoside found in all Zamiaceae cycads including Cycas revoluta (sago palm), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion causes vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, liver necrosis, and can be fatal. Seeds are particularly high in toxin concentration. Emergency veterinary treatment is required for any suspected 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 chestnut dioon.

What should I do if my cat ate chestnut 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 chestnut dioon toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to chestnut 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 chestnut dioon pet-safety