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Is Old World Sago Cycad toxic to cats?

Dioon edule

Toxic to cats

Yes — old world sago 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. Dioon is a cycad (order Cycadales) and contains cycasin, matching the ASPCA's toxic classification of the sago palm and related cycads. Ingestion of fronds or especially seeds causes vomiting, diarrhoea, severe liver failure and neurological signs. Treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency.

What to do if your cat ate old world sago cycad

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

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

Is old world sago cycad toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is old world sago cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — old world sago cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. Dioon is a cycad (order Cycadales) and contains cycasin, matching the ASPCA's toxic classification of the sago palm and related cycads. Ingestion of fronds or especially seeds causes vomiting, diarrhoea, severe liver failure and neurological signs. Treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats old world sago cycad?

Toxic to cats and dogs. Dioon is a cycad (order Cycadales) and contains cycasin, matching the ASPCA's toxic classification of the sago palm and related cycads. Ingestion of fronds or especially seeds causes vomiting, diarrhoea, severe liver failure and neurological signs. Treat any ingestion as a veterinary emergency. 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 old world sago cycad.

What should I do if my cat ate old world sago 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 old world sago cycad toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Old World Sago Cycad is toxic to dogs as well. See the full old world sago cycad pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to old world sago 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 old world sago cycad pet-safety