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Is Zamia Palm toxic to cats?

Macrozamia riedlei

Toxic to cats

Yes — zamia 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. Macrozamia riedlei contains macrozamin and cycasin — potent hepatotoxic and neurotoxic azoxy glycosides. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and humans. Seeds (red arillate) have historically caused mass livestock poisoning events. Known to cause 'zamia staggers' in cattle. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment.

What to do if your cat ate zamia palm

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

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

Is zamia palm toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is zamia palm toxic to cats?

Yes — zamia palm is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Macrozamia riedlei contains macrozamin and cycasin — potent hepatotoxic and neurotoxic azoxy glycosides. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and humans. Seeds (red arillate) have historically caused mass livestock poisoning events. Known to cause 'zamia staggers' in cattle. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats zamia palm?

Macrozamia riedlei contains macrozamin and cycasin — potent hepatotoxic and neurotoxic azoxy glycosides. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and humans. Seeds (red arillate) have historically caused mass livestock poisoning events. Known to cause 'zamia staggers' in cattle. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment. 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 zamia palm.

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

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

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