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Is Madagascar Palm toxic to cats?

Pachypodium lamerei

Toxic to cats

Yes — madagascar palm 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 parts of Pachypodium lamerei (Apocynaceae) contain toxic latex sap with cardiac glycoside-type compounds (cardenolides). Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, irregular heartbeat, and potentially death in pets and humans. The ASPCA lists related Apocynaceae genera (e.g. Adenium) as toxic. Keep out of reach of pets and children. The sharp spines also pose a physical injury risk.

What to do if your cat ate madagascar palm

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

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

Is madagascar palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is madagascar palm toxic to cats?

Yes — madagascar palm is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Pachypodium lamerei (Apocynaceae) contain toxic latex sap with cardiac glycoside-type compounds (cardenolides). Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, irregular heartbeat, and potentially death in pets and humans. The ASPCA lists related Apocynaceae genera (e.g. Adenium) as toxic. Keep out of reach of pets and children. The sharp spines also pose a physical injury risk.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats madagascar palm?

All parts of Pachypodium lamerei (Apocynaceae) contain toxic latex sap with cardiac glycoside-type compounds (cardenolides). Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, irregular heartbeat, and potentially death in pets and humans. The ASPCA lists related Apocynaceae genera (e.g. Adenium) as toxic. Keep out of reach of pets and children. The sharp spines also pose a physical injury risk. 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 madagascar palm.

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

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

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