ZZ plant

Q: Is ZZ plant toxic to cats?

Toxic: Toxic — calcium oxalate crystals, same family of mouth pain as pothos. Zamioculcas zamiifolia is almost indestructible, which is why it ends up in apartments with cats. The leaves and rhizomes contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that stab the mouth on contact. Expect drooling and pawing, not kidney failure. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Tulip also safe for cats?

Toxic: Toxic — bulbs are most dangerous, causes GI upset.

Toxic

Verdict

Toxic — calcium oxalate crystals, same family of mouth pain as pothos.

Toxic principle: calcium oxalate crystals

Also called: zamioculcas, zanzibar gem

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-08-13

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

Zamioculcas zamiifolia is almost indestructible, which is why it ends up in apartments with cats. The leaves and rhizomes contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that stab the mouth on contact. Expect drooling and pawing, not kidney failure.