What should I do if my cat ate Cycads?

If you saw your cat chew or swallow any part of a cycad, do not wait for symptoms — bring the cat and a sample or photo of the plant to the emergency vet now. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet or poison control instructs you to. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) on the way. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately — even if your cat seems fine. About 50% of cycad poisonings are fatal even with treatment, and outcomes hinge on how quickly decontamination starts.

What should I do if my dog ate Cycads?

Bring the dog and a sample or photo of the plant straight to the nearest emergency vet — do not wait for symptoms. Do not induce vomiting at home unless directly instructed by a vet or poison control, and do not give activated charcoal on your own. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) on the way. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately — every minute matters. Pet Poison Helpline reports roughly 50% mortality even with aggressive treatment, and survival depends on getting the dog decontaminated within the first hour or two.

Cycads — (c) Oleg Kosterin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleg Kosterin — Photo by (c) Oleg Kosterin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleg KosteriniNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Oleg Kosterin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleg KosteriniNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Cycads

Q: Is Cycads safe for cats?

Cycads is potentially toxic to cats. Extremely toxic; ingestion of even a small amount can be fatal. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Q: Is Cycads safe for dogs?

Cycads is potentially toxic to dogs. Highly dangerous; the seeds contain the highest concentration of toxins. Immediate veterinary intervention is required as the prognosis is guarded even with aggressive treatment.

Cycas and Zamia species

Cycads are ancient, palm-like gymnosperms that contain potent toxins throughout the entire plant, especially the seeds. Ingestion of any part of these plants is considered a medical emergency for pets.

Check a list

Cardboard PalmCoontieCycas and Zamia speciesCycas revolutaSago Palm

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Slow-growing, woody stem
Care: Low to moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, jaundice, increased thirst, and potential liver failure.

Escalation note

Extremely toxic; ingestion of even a small amount can be fatal. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, bloody stools, jaundice, bruising, coagulopathy, and liver failure.

Escalation note

Highly dangerous; the seeds contain the highest concentration of toxins. Immediate veterinary intervention is required as the prognosis is guarded even with aggressive treatment.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

All parts of the Sago Palm are poisonous, but the seeds or 'nuts' contain the largest amount of the toxin cycasin.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Taxonomic database covering the Cycadaceae and Zamiaceae families.

cats safety page My cat ate Cycads dogs safety page My dog ate Cycads

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Share the alias "cardboard palm".

Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta

The Sago Palm is a popular ornamental cycad that is highly toxic to pets if ingested. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, contain cycasin, which can cause severe health complications.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.