What are the symptoms if a cat eats Sago Palm / Cycads?

Vomiting, drooling, anorexia, severe abdominal pain, increased thirst, and diarrhea (which may be bloody or appear as black, "tarry" feces), Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), profound hepatic necrosis, and severe liver failure, Bruising, blood clots, petechiae (pinpoint spots of bleeding), ecchymotic hemorrhages, and generalized abnormal bleeding, Lethargy, extreme weakness, ataxia (loss of coordination), tremors, paralysis, seizures, coma, and eventually death

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✕ Toxic

Sago Palm / Cycads

Q: Is Sago Palm / Cycads toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) and other cycads are extremely dangerous and highly toxic to cats. Every single part of the plant—leaves, trunk, and roots—is poisonous, but the seeds (or "nuts") contain the highest concentration of toxins and are the most deadly part. Ingesting just one or two seeds can be fatal. The main toxin, cycasin, causes severe and rapid liver failure. When a cat eats any part of the plant, the toxin is absorbed and begins to destroy liver cells. This damage is often irreversible and happens very quickly. The plant also contains other toxins that affect the nervous system. Symptoms of Sago Palm poisoning can appear within hours and include vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and loss of appetite. As the liver fails, you may see yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), seizures, and bleeding. Any suspected ingestion is a life-threatening emergency. Please contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

Cycas revoluta, Cycas cirinalis, Zamia spp.

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) and other cycads are extremely dangerous and highly toxic to cats. Every single part of the plant—leaves, trunk, and roots—is poisonous, but the seeds (or "nuts") contain the highest concentration of toxins and are the most deadly part. Ingesting just one or two seeds can be fatal. The main toxin, cycasin, causes severe and rapid liver failure. When a cat eats any part of the plant, the toxin is absorbed and begins to destroy liver cells. This damage is often irreversible and happens very quickly. The plant also contains other toxins that affect the nervous system. Symptoms of Sago Palm poisoning can appear within hours and include vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and loss of appetite. As the liver fails, you may see yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), seizures, and bleeding. Any suspected ingestion is a life-threatening emergency. Please contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glycoside) in all parts; seeds contain the highest concentration

Mechanism: cycasin is metabolised to methylazoxymethanol (MAM), a powerful alkylating agent causing hepatocellular necrosis and DNA cross-linking

Symptoms (within 15 minutes to 3 hours): vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy; severe liver failure follows: jaundice, bleeding, neurological signs, coma

Seeds are the greatest risk — 1–2 seeds can kill a cat; all parts carry life-threatening toxicity

Any suspected ingestion is a critical veterinary emergency — survival depends on immediate, aggressive treatment

Potentially Toxic Parts

Stem

Leaf

Seed

Entire Plant

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), profound hepatic necrosis, and severe liver failure

Hepatic · Progresses over 48 to 72 hours following ingestion

Lethargy, extreme weakness, ataxia (loss of coordination), tremors, paralysis, seizures, coma, and eventually death

Gastrointestinal · Can begin developing within hours,

Vomiting, drooling, anorexia, severe abdominal pain, increased thirst, and diarrhea (which may be bloody or appear as black, "tarry" feces)

Gastrointestinal · Initial clinical signs typically appear rapidly, often within the first 4 hours of ingestion

Bruising, blood clots, petechiae (pinpoint spots of bleeding), ecchymotic hemorrhages, and generalized abnormal bleeding

Gastrointestinal · Delayed; develops secondary to liver failure within 48 to 72 hours

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.