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Is Congo Cycad toxic to cats?

Encephalartos laurentianus

Toxic to cats

Yes — congo cycad 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 Encephalartos species (family Zamiaceae, cycads) contain cycasin and other toxic glycosides. Ingestion of seeds, leaves, or caudex tissue causes severe gastrointestinal distress, liver failure, and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and humans. Seeds are the most toxic part. Treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency. ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic to pets.

What to do if your cat ate congo cycad

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

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

Is congo cycad toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is congo cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — congo cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Encephalartos species (family Zamiaceae, cycads) contain cycasin and other toxic glycosides. Ingestion of seeds, leaves, or caudex tissue causes severe gastrointestinal distress, liver failure, and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and humans. Seeds are the most toxic part. Treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency. ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic to pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats congo cycad?

All Encephalartos species (family Zamiaceae, cycads) contain cycasin and other toxic glycosides. Ingestion of seeds, leaves, or caudex tissue causes severe gastrointestinal distress, liver failure, and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and humans. Seeds are the most toxic part. Treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency. ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic to 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 congo cycad.

What should I do if my cat ate congo cycad?

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 congo cycad toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Congo Cycad is toxic to dogs as well. See the full congo cycad pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to congo cycad?

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 congo cycad pet-safety