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Pet safety

Is Coontie toxic to cats?

Zamia integrifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — coontie 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. ASPCA-listed under Coontie Palm/Cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles include cycasin, BMAA (B-methylamino-L-alanine) and an unidentified neurotoxin, causing vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice, liver failure and death; seeds contain the highest cycasin levels and 1-2 can be fatal. Keep strictly away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate coontie

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

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

Is coontie toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is coontie toxic to cats?

Yes — coontie is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed under Coontie Palm/Cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles include cycasin, BMAA (B-methylamino-L-alanine) and an unidentified neurotoxin, causing vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice, liver failure and death; seeds contain the highest cycasin levels and 1-2 can be fatal. Keep strictly away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats coontie?

ASPCA-listed under Coontie Palm/Cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles include cycasin, BMAA (B-methylamino-L-alanine) and an unidentified neurotoxin, causing vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice, liver failure and death; seeds contain the highest cycasin levels and 1-2 can be fatal. Keep strictly away from pets and children. 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 coontie.

What should I do if my cat ate coontie?

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 coontie toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to coontie?

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 coontie pet-safety