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Sago Palm / Cycads
Cycas revoluta, Cycas cirinalis, Zamia spp.
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) and related cycad species are among the most hepatotoxic plants known, with a case fatality rate exceeding 50% even with treatment. Every part is toxic — but the seeds ("nuts") are the most concentrated source. Cycasin, the primary toxin, causes rapid, severe liver failure that is often fatal.
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.