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Is Natal Grass Cycad toxic to cats?

Stangeria eriopus

Toxic to cats

Yes — natal grass 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. Stangeria eriopus contains cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside) and related azoxyglycoside toxins characteristic of all cycads. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, hepatotoxicity, and neurological signs in dogs and cats. The tuberous root was historically used in traditional Zulu medicine but is dangerously toxic without specialist preparation. ASPCA classifies cycad-family plants as toxic; Stangeria shares the same toxic mechanism.

What to do if your cat ate natal grass cycad

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

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

Is natal grass cycad toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is natal grass cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — natal grass cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Stangeria eriopus contains cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside) and related azoxyglycoside toxins characteristic of all cycads. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, hepatotoxicity, and neurological signs in dogs and cats. The tuberous root was historically used in traditional Zulu medicine but is dangerously toxic without specialist preparation. ASPCA classifies cycad-family plants as toxic; Stangeria shares the same toxic mechanism.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats natal grass cycad?

Stangeria eriopus contains cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside) and related azoxyglycoside toxins characteristic of all cycads. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, hepatotoxicity, and neurological signs in dogs and cats. The tuberous root was historically used in traditional Zulu medicine but is dangerously toxic without specialist preparation. ASPCA classifies cycad-family plants as toxic; Stangeria shares the same toxic mechanism. 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 natal grass cycad.

What should I do if my cat ate natal grass 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 natal grass cycad toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to natal grass 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 natal grass cycad pet-safety