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
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.
Cardboard PalmCycas revolutaKing SagoSago PalmZamia
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Slow-growing, palm-like shrub
- Care
- Low
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, and potential liver failure.
Escalation note
This plant is considered extremely dangerous. 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, increased thirst, bruising, and liver damage.
Escalation note
Ingestion of any part of the Sago Palm is a medical emergency. The toxins can lead to rapid liver failure and death. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has chewed or eaten any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
Safer pick
Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
Areca palm is a true palm and widely listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs — a direct sago palm swap.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Sago Palm is highly toxic to both cats and dogs, causing severe liver damage and potential death.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Cycas revoluta is a slow-growing cycad that is extremely poisonous to humans and pets.
Questions about Sago Palm
Is sago palm toxic to cats?
Yes, sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is extremely toxic to cats. All parts of the plant contain cycasin, but the seeds are the most dangerous — even a small amount can be fatal.
What symptoms does sago palm poisoning cause in cats?
Initial signs appear within 15 minutes to several hours and include vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, and bloody diarrhea. Over the next 2 to 3 days, liver failure can develop, causing jaundice (yellow gums or eye whites), unusual bruising, increased thirst, weakness, tremors, and seizures.
What should I do if my cat ate any part of a sago palm?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. This is a true emergency; survival depends on prompt, intensive treatment, and the window closes fast.
How much sago palm is dangerous to a cat?
There is no safe amount. Ingestion of even a small quantity can be fatal. The seeds are the most concentrated source of cycasin, but leaves, roots, and all other parts of the plant are also toxic.
Is sago palm toxic to dogs?
Yes, sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is highly toxic to dogs — all parts of the plant are dangerous, and ingestion is a medical emergency. The seeds are the most toxic part, but chewing any portion of the plant can cause severe liver damage and death.
What are the symptoms of sago palm poisoning in dogs?
Initial signs appear within 15 minutes to several hours and include vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, and diarrhea (sometimes bloody or tarry). Over the following 2 to 3 days, liver failure can produce jaundice, unusual bruising, increased thirst, weakness, loss of coordination, tremors, or seizures.
What should I do if my dog ate sago palm?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Survival depends on early treatment; even suspected ingestion is an emergency. Mortality remains high even with prompt intensive care.
How quickly does sago palm cause liver failure in dogs?
Acute gastrointestinal signs begin within 15 minutes to several hours of ingestion, but liver failure and neurological signs typically develop 2 to 3 days later. This delayed onset means a dog may seem to improve initially before rapidly deteriorating, which is why immediate veterinary treatment — not a wait-and-see approach — is critical.
Often compared with
Commonly confused with
Both sold as "Palm".
Ponytail Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
The Bottle Palm is a popular, slow-growing succulent known for its swollen, water-storing trunk and long, arching, grass-like leaves. Despite its common name, it is a member of the Asparagaceae family and is not a true palm.
Uncertain for cats.
Generally safe for dogs.
Share the alias "cardboard palm".
Cardboard Cycad
Zamia furfuracea
The Cardboard Cycad is a slow-growing cycad known for its stiff, leathery, palm-like foliage. It is highly toxic to pets if ingested and requires careful placement in households with animals.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Share the alias "cardboard palm".
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.
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.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, variegated leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.