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Is Kaapsehoop Cycad toxic to cats?

Encephalartos laevifolius

Toxic to cats

Yes — kaapsehoop cycad 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. All Encephalartos cycads are severely toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Cycasin and other azoxyglycoside compounds in seeds, leaves, and roots cause acute liver failure, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and death. ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic. Any ingestion is a veterinary emergency.

What to do if your cat ate kaapsehoop cycad

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

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

Is kaapsehoop cycad toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is kaapsehoop cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — kaapsehoop 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 cycads are severely toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Cycasin and other azoxyglycoside compounds in seeds, leaves, and roots cause acute liver failure, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and death. ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic. Any ingestion is a veterinary emergency.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats kaapsehoop cycad?

All Encephalartos cycads are severely toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Cycasin and other azoxyglycoside compounds in seeds, leaves, and roots cause acute liver failure, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and death. ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic. Any ingestion is a veterinary emergency. 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 kaapsehoop cycad.

What should I do if my cat ate kaapsehoop 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.

Is kaapsehoop cycad toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to kaapsehoop cycad?

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 kaapsehoop cycad pet-safety