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Is Maritime Zamia toxic to cats?

Zamia maritima

Toxic to cats

Yes — maritime 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 maritima contains cycasin and related azoxy glycosides throughout all parts, with seeds being the most concentrated source. Ingestion causes acute liver failure and neurological damage in dogs and cats, and is hazardous to humans. The ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. Seeds must never be accessible to children or pets.

What to do if your cat ate maritime zamia

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

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

Is maritime zamia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is maritime zamia toxic to cats?

Yes — maritime 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 maritima contains cycasin and related azoxy glycosides throughout all parts, with seeds being the most concentrated source. Ingestion causes acute liver failure and neurological damage in dogs and cats, and is hazardous to humans. The ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. Seeds must never be accessible to children or pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats maritime zamia?

Like all Zamia species, Zamia maritima contains cycasin and related azoxy glycosides throughout all parts, with seeds being the most concentrated source. Ingestion causes acute liver failure and neurological damage in dogs and cats, and is hazardous to humans. The ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. Seeds must never be accessible to children or pets. 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 maritime zamia.

What should I do if my cat ate maritime 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 maritime zamia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to maritime 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 maritime zamia pet-safety