Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Cork Palm toxic to cats?

Microcycas calocoma

Toxic to cats

Yes — cork 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. Microcycas calocoma, as a member of the family Zamiaceae, contains cycasin and related hepatotoxic and neurotoxic compounds throughout all tissues, with highest concentration in seeds. It is severely toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. The ASPCA classifies cycads broadly as toxic. Not individually listed by ASPCA (due to extreme rarity in cultivation), but the cycad family toxicity profile applies in full. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate cork palm

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

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

Is cork palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cork palm toxic to cats?

Yes — cork palm is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Microcycas calocoma, as a member of the family Zamiaceae, contains cycasin and related hepatotoxic and neurotoxic compounds throughout all tissues, with highest concentration in seeds. It is severely toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. The ASPCA classifies cycads broadly as toxic. Not individually listed by ASPCA (due to extreme rarity in cultivation), but the cycad family toxicity profile applies in full. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cork palm?

Microcycas calocoma, as a member of the family Zamiaceae, contains cycasin and related hepatotoxic and neurotoxic compounds throughout all tissues, with highest concentration in seeds. It is severely toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. The ASPCA classifies cycads broadly as toxic. Not individually listed by ASPCA (due to extreme rarity in cultivation), but the cycad family toxicity profile applies in full. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any 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 cork palm.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cork 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 cork palm pet-safety