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Is Clustering Fishtail Palm toxic to cats?

Caryota mitis

Toxic to cats

Yes — clustering 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. Caryota mitis fruit contain calcium oxalate raphide crystals in the mesocarp and juice. Contact causes intense oral burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, and oedema of the mouth and throat in dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists Caryota mitis as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Wear gloves and protective eyewear when cutting stems, as the sap can cause severe skin and eye irritation.

What to do if your cat ate clustering fishtail palm

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

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

Is clustering fishtail palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is clustering fishtail palm toxic to cats?

Yes — clustering fishtail palm is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Caryota mitis fruit contain calcium oxalate raphide crystals in the mesocarp and juice. Contact causes intense oral burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, and oedema of the mouth and throat in dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists Caryota mitis as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Wear gloves and protective eyewear when cutting stems, as the sap can cause severe skin and eye irritation.

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

Caryota mitis fruit contain calcium oxalate raphide crystals in the mesocarp and juice. Contact causes intense oral burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, and oedema of the mouth and throat in dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists Caryota mitis as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Wear gloves and protective eyewear when cutting stems, as the sap can cause severe skin and eye irritation. 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 clustering fishtail palm.

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

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

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