What should I do if my cat ate Sago Palm?

Call immediately — this is a true emergency. Contact your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 the moment you suspect any ingestion, even before symptoms appear.

What should I do if my dog ate Sago Palm?

Call immediately — even suspected ingestion is an emergency. Contact your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away; survival depends on early treatment, and waiting for symptoms reduces the chance of recovery.

Sago Palm — (c) Tzu-Neng Yuan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tzu-Neng Yuan — Photo by (c) Tzu-Neng Yuan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tzu-Neng YuaniNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Tzu-Neng Yuan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tzu-Neng YuaniNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Sago Palm

Q: Is Sago Palm safe for cats?

Sago Palm is potentially toxic to cats. 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.

Q: Is Sago Palm safe for dogs?

Sago Palm is potentially toxic to dogs. 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.

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.

Check a list

Cardboard PalmCycas revolutaKing SagoSago PalmZamia

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Slow-growing, palm-like shrub
Care: Low

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, 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.

Parlor palm is compact, pet-safe, and thrives in the same low-light indoor setting.

Not yet rated for cats.

Generally safe for dogs.

Ponytail palm is a pet-safer sculptural stand-in with a similar statement-plant silhouette.

Uncertain for cats.

Generally safe for dogs.

Shop on Amazon

Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

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

Open source

Cycas revoluta is a slow-growing cycad that is extremely poisonous to humans and pets.

cats safety page My cat ate Sago Palm dogs safety page My dog ate Sago Palm

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.

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.