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Is Variable Zamia toxic to cats?

Zamia polymorpha

Toxic to cats

Yes — variable 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 polymorpha contain cycasin and macrozamin throughout leaves, stems, and seeds. These compounds cause acute hepatotoxicity and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and are hazardous to humans. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxins. ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats.

What to do if your cat ate variable zamia

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

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

Is variable zamia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is variable zamia toxic to cats?

Yes — variable 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 polymorpha contain cycasin and macrozamin throughout leaves, stems, and seeds. These compounds cause acute hepatotoxicity and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and are hazardous to humans. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxins. ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats variable zamia?

All parts of Zamia polymorpha contain cycasin and macrozamin throughout leaves, stems, and seeds. These compounds cause acute hepatotoxicity and neurological damage in dogs, cats, and are hazardous to humans. Seeds are the most concentrated source of toxins. ASPCA classifies the Zamia genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. 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 variable zamia.

What should I do if my cat ate variable 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 variable zamia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to variable 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 variable zamia pet-safety