What are the symptoms of Sago Palm poisoning in cats?

vomiting (within hours), diarrhea, bloody stool, lethargy, jaundice, liver failure, seizures, death

Sago Palm

Q: Is Sago Palm toxic to cats?

Dangerous: EXTREMELY DANGEROUS — liver failure, often fatal. All parts of the sago palm (Cycas revoluta) are toxic, with the seeds (nuts) being the most dangerous. They contain cycasin, which causes severe liver failure. Sago palm toxicity has a mortality rate of 50-75% even with treatment. All parts of the plant are toxic — seeds, leaves, trunk, and roots. This is a popular ornamental plant that is extremely dangerous in homes with cats. Source: ASPCA.

Dangerous

Verdict

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS — liver failure, often fatal.

Toxic principle: cycasin (liver failure)

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-06-12

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

All parts of the sago palm (Cycas revoluta) are toxic, with the seeds (nuts) being the most dangerous. They contain cycasin, which causes severe liver failure. Sago palm toxicity has a mortality rate of 50-75% even with treatment. All parts of the plant are toxic — seeds, leaves, trunk, and roots. This is a popular ornamental plant that is extremely dangerous in homes with cats.

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting (within hours)
• diarrhea
• bloody stool
• lethargy
• jaundice
• liver failure
• seizures
• death

What to do

VETERINARY EMERGENCY. Contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. Aggressive treatment including liver support is needed. Remove sago palms from your home and garden.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 aspca.org

Related Plants

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