Is Grigua Cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — grigua cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Encephalartos species contain cycasin and macrozamin — potent azoxy glycoside toxins causing severe hepatotoxicity and neurological damage. The ASPCA classifies cycads as severely toxic to dogs and cats; seed ingestion in particular can be fatal within days. All plant parts — leaves, cones, seeds, and trunk — are hazardous. This plant must be kept completely inaccessible to pets and young children.

All Encephalartos species contain cycasin and macrozamin — potent azoxy glycoside toxins causing severe hepatotoxicity and neurological damage. The ASPCA classifies cycads as severely toxic to dogs and cats; seed ingestion in particular can be fatal within days. All plant parts — leaves, cones, seeds, and trunk — are hazardous. This plant must be kept completely inaccessible to pets and young 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 grigua cycad.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Grigua Cycad is toxic to dogs as well. See the full grigua cycad pet-safety guide for both species.

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.