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Is Sago palm toxic to cats?

Cycas revoluta

Toxic to cats

Yes — sago palm 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. ASPCA lists Cycas revoluta as severely toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Seeds are the most toxic part. Ingestion can cause vomiting, liver failure, and death; veterinary emergency.

What to do if your cat ate sago palm

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

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

Is sago palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sago palm toxic to cats?

Yes — sago palm is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Cycas revoluta as severely toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Seeds are the most toxic part. Ingestion can cause vomiting, liver failure, and death; veterinary emergency.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sago palm?

ASPCA lists Cycas revoluta as severely toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Seeds are the most toxic part. Ingestion can cause vomiting, liver failure, and death; 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 sago palm.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sago palm?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include ponytail palm, kentia palm, areca palm — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to sago palm.

Full sago palm pet-safety