Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Colombian Zamia toxic to cats?

Zamia cf. encephalartoides

Toxic to cats

Yes — colombian zamia 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. All Zamia species are cycads in the family Zamiaceae and contain cycasin and related neurotoxins. The ASPCA lists cycads as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion causes vomiting, liver failure, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and can be fatal. Seeds are the most toxic part but all tissues are hazardous. Emergency veterinary treatment must be sought immediately after any suspected ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate colombian zamia

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

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

Is colombian zamia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is colombian zamia toxic to cats?

Yes — colombian zamia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Zamia species are cycads in the family Zamiaceae and contain cycasin and related neurotoxins. The ASPCA lists cycads as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion causes vomiting, liver failure, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and can be fatal. Seeds are the most toxic part but all tissues are hazardous. Emergency veterinary treatment must be sought immediately after any suspected ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats colombian zamia?

All Zamia species are cycads in the family Zamiaceae and contain cycasin and related neurotoxins. The ASPCA lists cycads as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; ingestion causes vomiting, liver failure, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and can be fatal. Seeds are the most toxic part but all tissues are hazardous. Emergency veterinary treatment must be sought immediately after 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 colombian zamia.

What should I do if my cat ate colombian zamia?

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 colombian zamia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Colombian Zamia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full colombian zamia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to colombian zamia?

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 colombian zamia pet-safety