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Is Encephalartos Villosus toxic to cats?

Encephalartos villosus

Toxic to cats

Yes — encephalartos villosus 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, Encephalartos included, are toxic to dogs and cats. Cycasin (with an unidentified neurotoxin and BMAA) causes vomiting, dark stools, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising and severe, often fatal liver failure. Seeds are the most dangerous part. Keep well away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate encephalartos villosus

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

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

Is encephalartos villosus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is encephalartos villosus toxic to cats?

Yes — encephalartos villosus 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, Encephalartos included, are toxic to dogs and cats. Cycasin (with an unidentified neurotoxin and BMAA) causes vomiting, dark stools, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising and severe, often fatal liver failure. Seeds are the most dangerous part. Keep well away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats encephalartos villosus?

ASPCA-listed: all cycads, Encephalartos included, are toxic to dogs and cats. Cycasin (with an unidentified neurotoxin and BMAA) causes vomiting, dark stools, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising and severe, often fatal liver failure. Seeds are the most dangerous part. Keep well 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 villosus.

What should I do if my cat ate encephalartos villosus?

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 villosus toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to encephalartos villosus?

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 villosus pet-safety