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Pet safety

Is ZZ plant toxic to cats?

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists zz plant as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Zamioculcas zamiifolia as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include oral irritation, drooling and vomiting.

What to do if your cat ate zz plant

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

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

Is zz plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is zz plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists zz plant as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Zamioculcas zamiifolia as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include oral irritation, drooling and vomiting.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats zz plant?

ASPCA lists Zamioculcas zamiifolia as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include oral irritation, drooling and vomiting. 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 zz plant.

What should I do if my cat ate zz plant?

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 zz plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: ZZ plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full zz plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to zz plant?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include cast iron plant, parlor palm, lady palm — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to zz plant.

Full zz plant pet-safety