Indoors and out
Is Sago palm toxic to cats and dogs?
Cycas revoluta · also called Cycad, coontie palm
Cats
Highly toxicDogs
Highly toxicSago palms are extremely poisonous to dogs and cats. The seeds are the most toxic part, and eating even one or two can cause liver failure.
By Maya Hart
If your pet chewed it
- This is an emergency.
- Go to your vet now.
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed.
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
- Yellow gums or eyes
- Seizures
What is harmful
- Parts
- Every part, especially the seeds
- Substance
- Cycasin
The details
Sago palms are popular as houseplants and in warm-climate gardens. Around half of dogs that eat them do not survive, even with treatment. If you have one and a dog, remove it.
Pet-safe alternatives
Questions owners ask
Is Sago palm toxic to cats?
Yes — highly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: every part, especially the seeds.
Is Sago palm toxic to dogs?
Yes — highly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: every part, especially the seeds.
What happens if a pet eats sago palm?
vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhoea, weakness, yellow gums or eyes, seizures.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
This is an emergency. Go to your vet now. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed. Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
What are pet-safe alternatives to sago palm?
Spider plant, Boston fern, Calathea (prayer plant), Areca palm, Moth orchid.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
