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Is Encephalartos Ferox toxic to cats?

Encephalartos ferox

Toxic to cats

Yes — encephalartos ferox 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: all cycads, including Encephalartos, are toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle cycasin (plus an unidentified neurotoxin and BMAA) causes vomiting, melena, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, severe liver damage and potentially fatal liver failure. Seeds and cones are especially deadly. Keep strictly away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate encephalartos ferox

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

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

Is encephalartos ferox toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is encephalartos ferox toxic to cats?

Yes — encephalartos ferox is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed: all cycads, including Encephalartos, are toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle cycasin (plus an unidentified neurotoxin and BMAA) causes vomiting, melena, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, severe liver damage and potentially fatal liver failure. Seeds and cones are especially deadly. Keep strictly away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats encephalartos ferox?

ASPCA-listed: all cycads, including Encephalartos, are toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle cycasin (plus an unidentified neurotoxin and BMAA) causes vomiting, melena, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, severe liver damage and potentially fatal liver failure. Seeds and cones are especially deadly. 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 encephalartos ferox.

What should I do if my cat ate encephalartos ferox?

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 encephalartos ferox toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to encephalartos ferox?

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 encephalartos ferox pet-safety