Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Coontie Palm - what should I do?
Zamia pumila
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, jaundice, and potential liver failure.
Escalation note
This plant is highly toxic. Ingestion of any part, especially seeds, is a medical emergency. Contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
What to watch for
Vomiting (sometimes bloody), drooling, lethargy, dark or bloody stools, increased thirst, jaundice (yellow gums or skin), and easy bruising. Liver failure can progress over hours to days.
Time window
Pet Poison Helpline reports cycad GI signs typically begin within 15 minutes to 4 hours of ingestion; liver damage can develop over the following 2–3 days, so treatment must start fast.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately on any suspicion — do not wait for symptoms. Seeds are the most concentrated part and ASPCA notes 1–2 seeds can be fatal.
What this means for your cat
Cats are at lower risk than dogs for coontie palm only because they're less likely to chew through bark or seeds — but if they do, this is among the most dangerous plants in any home. ASPCA classifies it as toxic to cats, and Pet Poison Helpline lists the cycad family among the deadliest plants for pets, with even small amounts causing severe vomiting, GI bleeding, and progressive liver failure.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.