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Is Merola's Dioon toxic to cats?

Dioon merolae

Toxic to cats

Yes — merola's dioon 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 Dioon species are cycads (family Zamiaceae) containing cycasin and associated neurotoxins. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or horses can cause vomiting, liver failure, haemorrhage, neurological damage, and death. The ASPCA lists cycads as toxic. Seeds and the fleshy seed coat are particularly dangerous, but all parts of the plant are hazardous. Immediate emergency veterinary care is required after any ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate merola's dioon

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

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

Is merola's dioon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is merola's dioon toxic to cats?

Yes — merola's dioon is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Dioon species are cycads (family Zamiaceae) containing cycasin and associated neurotoxins. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or horses can cause vomiting, liver failure, haemorrhage, neurological damage, and death. The ASPCA lists cycads as toxic. Seeds and the fleshy seed coat are particularly dangerous, but all parts of the plant are hazardous. Immediate emergency veterinary care is required after any ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats merola's dioon?

All Dioon species are cycads (family Zamiaceae) containing cycasin and associated neurotoxins. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or horses can cause vomiting, liver failure, haemorrhage, neurological damage, and death. The ASPCA lists cycads as toxic. Seeds and the fleshy seed coat are particularly dangerous, but all parts of the plant are hazardous. Immediate emergency veterinary care is required after any ingestion. 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 merola's dioon.

What should I do if my cat ate merola's dioon?

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 merola's dioon toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Merola's Dioon is toxic to dogs as well. See the full merola's dioon pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to merola's dioon?

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 merola's dioon pet-safety