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Pet safety

Is Fishtail palm toxic to cats?

Caryota mitis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fishtail palm as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Caryota mitis fruit and sap contain oxalic acid crystals that cause skin and mucous-membrane irritation in pets and people. Wear gloves when pruning.

What to do if your cat ate fishtail palm

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

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

Is fishtail palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fishtail palm toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fishtail palm as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Caryota mitis fruit and sap contain oxalic acid crystals that cause skin and mucous-membrane irritation in pets and people. Wear gloves when pruning.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fishtail palm?

Caryota mitis fruit and sap contain oxalic acid crystals that cause skin and mucous-membrane irritation in pets and people. Wear gloves when pruning. 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 fishtail palm.

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

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

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