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Is Thorny Zamia toxic to cats?

Zamia muricata

Toxic to cats

Yes — thorny zamia 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. All parts of Zamia muricata are severely toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. Cycads contain cycasin and BMAA, which cause gastrointestinal distress, liver failure, and potentially fatal neurological damage. ASPCA lists cycads (Zamia spp.) as toxic to dogs and cats. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate thorny zamia

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

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

Is thorny zamia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is thorny zamia toxic to cats?

Yes — thorny zamia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Zamia muricata are severely toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. Cycads contain cycasin and BMAA, which cause gastrointestinal distress, liver failure, and potentially fatal neurological damage. ASPCA lists cycads (Zamia spp.) as toxic to dogs and cats. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats thorny zamia?

All parts of Zamia muricata are severely toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. Cycads contain cycasin and BMAA, which cause gastrointestinal distress, liver failure, and potentially fatal neurological damage. ASPCA lists cycads (Zamia spp.) as toxic to dogs and cats. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingested. 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 thorny zamia.

What should I do if my cat ate thorny zamia?

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 thorny zamia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Thorny Zamia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full thorny zamia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to thorny zamia?

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 thorny zamia pet-safety