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Is Zamia Roezlii toxic to cats?

Zamia roezlii

Toxic to cats

Yes — zamia roezlii 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. ASPCA classifies cycads, including Zamia, as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is cycasin (plus BMAA and a neurotoxin), causing vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, jaundice and potentially fatal liver failure; seeds are especially dangerous. Treat the whole plant as hazardous to pets and people.

What to do if your cat ate zamia roezlii

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

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

Is zamia roezlii toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is zamia roezlii toxic to cats?

Yes — zamia roezlii is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA classifies cycads, including Zamia, as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is cycasin (plus BMAA and a neurotoxin), causing vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, jaundice and potentially fatal liver failure; seeds are especially dangerous. Treat the whole plant as hazardous to pets and people.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats zamia roezlii?

ASPCA classifies cycads, including Zamia, as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is cycasin (plus BMAA and a neurotoxin), causing vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, jaundice and potentially fatal liver failure; seeds are especially dangerous. Treat the whole plant as hazardous to pets and people. 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 roezlii.

What should I do if my cat ate zamia roezlii?

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 roezlii toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to zamia roezlii?

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 roezlii pet-safety