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Is Thunberg's Cycad toxic to cats?

Encephalartos longifolius

Toxic to cats

Yes — thunberg's 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. All Encephalartos species, including E. longifolius, contain cycasin and related macrozamin glycosides — potent hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. The ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion (particularly seeds) can cause irreversible liver failure and death. All plant parts are hazardous. Treat as a toxic-plant no-go zone around pets and young children.

What to do if your cat ate thunberg's cycad

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

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

Is thunberg's cycad toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is thunberg's cycad toxic to cats?

Yes — thunberg's cycad is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Encephalartos species, including E. longifolius, contain cycasin and related macrozamin glycosides — potent hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. The ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion (particularly seeds) can cause irreversible liver failure and death. All plant parts are hazardous. Treat as a toxic-plant no-go zone around pets and young children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats thunberg's cycad?

All Encephalartos species, including E. longifolius, contain cycasin and related macrozamin glycosides — potent hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. The ASPCA lists cycads as severely toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion (particularly seeds) can cause irreversible liver failure and death. All plant parts are hazardous. Treat as a toxic-plant no-go zone around pets and young children. 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 thunberg's cycad.

What should I do if my cat ate thunberg's 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 thunberg's cycad toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Thunberg's Cycad is toxic to dogs as well. See the full thunberg's cycad pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to thunberg's 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 thunberg's cycad pet-safety