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Is Dwarf Cardboard Palm toxic to cats?

Zamia vazquezii

Toxic to cats

Yes — dwarf cardboard 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. Zamia vazquezii is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA lists the genus via Coontie Palm/Cardboard Cycad and all cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle cycasin (with BMAA and a neurotoxin) causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice and acute liver failure; seeds are most dangerous. Treat as highly toxic and keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate dwarf cardboard palm

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

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

Is dwarf cardboard palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dwarf cardboard palm toxic to cats?

Yes — dwarf cardboard palm is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Zamia vazquezii is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA lists the genus via Coontie Palm/Cardboard Cycad and all cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle cycasin (with BMAA and a neurotoxin) causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice and acute liver failure; seeds are most dangerous. Treat as highly toxic and keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dwarf cardboard palm?

Zamia vazquezii is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA lists the genus via Coontie Palm/Cardboard Cycad and all cycads as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle cycasin (with BMAA and a neurotoxin) causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice and acute liver failure; seeds are most dangerous. Treat as highly toxic and keep 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 dwarf cardboard palm.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to dwarf cardboard 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 dwarf cardboard palm pet-safety