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Is Moluccan Fishtail Palm toxic to cats?

Caryota rumphiana

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists moluccan fishtail palm as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The fleshy mesocarp of Caryota rumphiana fruits contains calcium oxalate raphide crystals, causing intense oral irritation and burning in pets and people. The leaves and trunk are not reported as toxic. Caryota is not individually listed on the ASPCA database. Always wear gloves when handling fruits. Keep pets away from fallen fruit.

What to do if your cat ate moluccan fishtail palm

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

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

Is moluccan fishtail palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is moluccan fishtail palm toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists moluccan fishtail palm as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. The fleshy mesocarp of Caryota rumphiana fruits contains calcium oxalate raphide crystals, causing intense oral irritation and burning in pets and people. The leaves and trunk are not reported as toxic. Caryota is not individually listed on the ASPCA database. Always wear gloves when handling fruits. Keep pets away from fallen fruit.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats moluccan fishtail palm?

The fleshy mesocarp of Caryota rumphiana fruits contains calcium oxalate raphide crystals, causing intense oral irritation and burning in pets and people. The leaves and trunk are not reported as toxic. Caryota is not individually listed on the ASPCA database. Always wear gloves when handling fruits. Keep pets away from fallen fruit. 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 moluccan fishtail palm.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to moluccan fishtail 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 moluccan fishtail palm pet-safety