Cardboard Palm

Yes, Cardboard Palm (Zamia spp.) is extremely toxic to cats. All parts of the plant contain cycasin toxins, and ingestion of even a small amount can be fatal.

Initial signs typically appear within 15 minutes to a few hours and include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Over the next 24–48 hours, watch for lethargy, refusal to eat, increased thirst, and yellowing of the gums or eyes — these indicate liver damage is underway.

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet immediately, even if your cat appears fine. If safe to do so, remove any plant material from the mouth and bring a sample or photo of the plant. Do not try to induce vomiting at home — wait for veterinary direction.

Bloodwork can appear normal for the first 24 hours even while liver damage is already underway, making home monitoring unsafe. Liver enzyme abnormalities typically show at 24–48 hours, and acute liver failure can develop 2–3 days after ingestion — which is why vets recommend calling immediately on suspected ingestion rather than waiting for symptoms.

Yes, Cardboard Palm (Zamia spp.) is highly toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain potent cycasin toxins, and ingestion can cause severe liver damage. Roughly half of treated cases are still fatal, making this one of the most dangerous houseplants for dogs.

Early signs include vomiting (sometimes bloody), dark or tarry stools, and abdominal pain. As liver damage progresses — typically 2–3 days after ingestion — dogs may show jaundice, easy bruising, nosebleeds, or unexplained bleeding. Severe cases can advance to weakness, ataxia, tremors, and seizures. GI symptoms can begin within 15 minutes to a few hours of ingestion.

The seeds are the most dangerous part, but the entire plant — leaves, roots, and seeds — is toxic to dogs. No part of a Cardboard Palm is safe for a dog to chew or ingest.

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or an emergency vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. If it is safe to do so, remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and bring a piece or clear photo of the plant for identification. Do not induce vomiting at home; that decision must be made by a veterinarian.