Is Sago Palm Toxic to Cats and Dogs? (Cycas revoluta, Zamia species)

Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta, Zamia species: listed as toxic to cats and dogs (cycasin). Signs, what to do, and how to confirm the species.

This page reports what veterinary poison-control references say about each plant. It is not a promise that a plant is harmless, and it is not treatment advice. If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

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At a glance

Scientific name: Cycas revoluta, Zamia species
Also called: Coontie Palm, Cardboard Palm, Cycads and Zamias
Toxic to cats: Yes
Toxic to dogs: Yes
Toxic principle: Cycasin
Signs reported: Vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, death.

Is Sago Palm toxic to cats and dogs?

ASPCA Animal Poison Control lists Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta, Zamia species) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is Cycasin. Signs reported: Vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, death..

How serious it can be

The clinical signs listed in the original source explicitly include "liver damage, liver failure, death" — one of the plants in this table with the most explicit description of fatal risk.

What to do if your pet ate it

If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Note what was eaten, how much and when, and bring a photo or a piece of the plant. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a professional tells you to.

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Confirm it is really this plant

Toxicity lists are by species, and many houseplants look alike. Photograph the whole plant, a leaf close-up and any flower in even light; the app reads the species first, then you can check it here. If the species is uncertain, act as if it were toxic.

FAQ

Is Sago Palm safe for cats?

No. It is listed as toxic to cats; reported signs include vomiting.

Is Sago Palm safe for dogs?

No. It is listed as toxic to dogs.

My pet only chewed a leaf. Should I still call?

Yes. Amount, size of the animal and the part eaten all matter, and the hotlines are staffed to judge that. Calling early is cheaper than waiting for signs.

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