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Is Wine Fishtail Palm toxic to cats?

Caryota urens

Toxic to cats

Yes — wine fishtail 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Caryota, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; chewing causes severe oral irritation, drooling, mouth pawing, vomiting and trouble swallowing, with the fruits being intensely irritant to skin and mouth. Not individually ASPCA-listed, but the genus is a recognised oxalate producer, so treat as toxic to pets.

What to do if your cat ate wine fishtail palm

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

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

Is wine fishtail palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wine fishtail palm toxic to cats?

Yes — wine fishtail palm is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Caryota, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; chewing causes severe oral irritation, drooling, mouth pawing, vomiting and trouble swallowing, with the fruits being intensely irritant to skin and mouth. Not individually ASPCA-listed, but the genus is a recognised oxalate producer, so treat as toxic to pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wine fishtail palm?

Toxic to cats and dogs. Like all Caryota, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; chewing causes severe oral irritation, drooling, mouth pawing, vomiting and trouble swallowing, with the fruits being intensely irritant to skin and mouth. Not individually ASPCA-listed, but the genus is a recognised oxalate producer, so treat as toxic to 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 wine fishtail palm.

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

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wine Fishtail Palm is toxic to dogs as well. See the full wine fishtail palm pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to wine fishtail palm?

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 wine fishtail palm pet-safety