What should I do if my cat ate Cardboard Palm?

Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet immediately, even if your cat looks fine. If it's safe, remove any plant material from the mouth and bring a sample or photo of the plant for identification. Do not induce vomiting at home — wait for veterinary direction. Call immediately on suspected ingestion. Do not wait for symptoms — bloodwork can stay normal for the first 24 hours while liver damage is already underway, so home monitoring is not safe with this plant family.

What should I do if my dog ate Cardboard Palm?

Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or an emergency vet right away. If it's safe, 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 is for the veterinarian. Call immediately — don't wait for symptoms. Roughly half of treated cases are still fatal, and the survival lever that matters most is how quickly the dog gets to a clinic for decontamination.

Cardboard Palm — (c) tanetahi, some rights reserved (CC BY) — Photo by (c) tanetahi, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) tanetahi, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Cardboard Palm

Q: Is Cardboard Palm safe for cats?

Cardboard Palm is potentially toxic to cats. This plant is extremely dangerous. Ingestion of even a small amount can be fatal. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect ingestion.

Q: Is Cardboard Palm safe for dogs?

Cardboard Palm is potentially toxic to dogs. The entire plant is toxic, with seeds being the most dangerous part. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your dog has chewed or eaten any part of this plant.

Zamia spp.

The Cardboard Palm is a cycad known for its stiff, leathery foliage and slow growth habit. It is highly toxic to pets if ingested, as all parts of the plant contain potent cycasin toxins.

Check a list

Cardboard PlantZamia furfuraceaZamia spp.

Light: Bright indirect light to full sun
Habit: Slow-growing, clumping
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 extremely dangerous. Ingestion of even a small amount can be fatal. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect ingestion.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, bloody stool, abdominal pain, bruising, and liver damage.

Escalation note

The entire plant is toxic, with seeds being the most dangerous part. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your dog has chewed or eaten any part of this plant.

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

Cardboard palm is toxic to both cats and dogs, containing cycasin which can cause severe liver failure.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Zamia furfuracea is a cycad that is highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested.

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

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