Is Saw Palmetto toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists saw palmetto 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Serenoa repens berries are the source of a herbal supplement and are generally regarded as low-toxicity, but the species has no formal ASPCA safe rating, so we do not assert pet-safe. The saw-toothed petioles can also physically injure pets.

Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Serenoa repens berries are the source of a herbal supplement and are generally regarded as low-toxicity, but the species has no formal ASPCA safe rating, so we do not assert pet-safe. The saw-toothed petioles can also physically injure pets. 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 saw palmetto.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Saw Palmetto is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full saw palmetto pet-safety guide for both species.

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.