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Is Grass-leaved Zamia toxic to cats?

Zamia spartea

Toxic to cats

Yes — grass-leaved zamia 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. Like all Zamia species, Zamia spartea contains cycasin and related azoxy compounds throughout all tissues. Ingestion causes acute liver failure and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and is hazardous to humans. ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxin.

What to do if your cat ate grass-leaved zamia

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move grass-leaved zamia 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 grass-leaved zamia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is grass-leaved zamia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is grass-leaved zamia toxic to cats?

Yes — grass-leaved zamia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Like all Zamia species, Zamia spartea contains cycasin and related azoxy compounds throughout all tissues. Ingestion causes acute liver failure and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and is hazardous to humans. ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats grass-leaved zamia?

Like all Zamia species, Zamia spartea contains cycasin and related azoxy compounds throughout all tissues. Ingestion causes acute liver failure and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and is hazardous to humans. ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxin. 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 grass-leaved zamia.

What should I do if my cat ate grass-leaved zamia?

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 grass-leaved zamia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Grass-leaved Zamia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full grass-leaved zamia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to grass-leaved zamia?

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 grass-leaved zamia pet-safety