Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
Pet safety reference
Cycads
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.
Cardboard PalmCoontieCycas and Zamia speciesCycas revolutaSago Palm
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Slow-growing, woody stem
- Care
- Low to moderate
Safety status
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
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
Taxonomic database covering the Cycadaceae and Zamiaceae families.
Questions about Cycads
Are cycads toxic to cats?
Yes — cycads (Cycas and Zamia species) are extremely toxic to cats. The entire plant contains potent toxins, with the seeds being especially dangerous. Even a small amount can be fatal, making any ingestion a medical emergency.
What are the symptoms of cycad poisoning in cats?
Early signs — within 15 minutes to several hours — include drooling, vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Over the next 1–3 days, liver failure can develop: watch for jaundice (yellow gums or eyes), increased thirst, lethargy, easy bruising, dark or tarry stools, and weakness or seizures.
What should I do if my cat ate part of a cycad?
Go to an emergency vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Bring a sample or photo of the plant. Do not try to induce vomiting unless a vet or poison control directs you to. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) on the way.
How dangerous is cycad poisoning for cats — what are the survival odds?
Cycad poisoning is one of the most serious plant toxicoses in cats: approximately 50% of cases are fatal even with aggressive veterinary treatment. Survival depends heavily on how quickly decontamination begins, and hospitalization for several days is typical. Speed is critical — call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) the moment ingestion is suspected, even if your cat appears fine.
Are cycads (sago palms) toxic to dogs?
Yes, cycads are extremely toxic to dogs — every part of the plant is dangerous, and ingestion of any amount is a medical emergency. The seeds carry the highest concentration of toxins, but the leaves, stems, and roots are also poisonous. Even a small piece can cause severe liver failure and death.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating a cycad?
Within 15 minutes to several hours: drooling, vomiting (often bloody), diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Over the following 1–3 days, as the liver begins to fail: jaundice, dark or tarry stools, easy bruising, increased thirst, weakness, wobbly gait, tremors, and seizures.
What should I do if my dog ate any part of a cycad?
Go straight to the nearest emergency vet — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Bring a sample or photo of the plant. Do not induce vomiting at home and do not give activated charcoal unless a vet or poison control directs you to. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 on the way.
What is the survival rate for dogs that eat cycad seeds?
The prognosis is guarded even with aggressive treatment — Pet Poison Helpline reports roughly 50% mortality. Survival depends heavily on how quickly the dog is decontaminated, ideally within the first one to two hours of ingestion. Hospitalization typically runs at least 3–5 days.
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