Plants · Cycas revoluta, Zamia species
Is Sago Palm Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Cats
Can cause liver failure and death (ASPCA).
Dogs
Can cause liver failure and death (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline).
Yes — sago palm is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. It contains cycasin; eating any part, especially the seeds (nuts), can cause severe vomiting, bloody stools, liver failure and death (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline). If your pet chewed any part of a sago palm, go to a vet immediately.
Written by VetExpenses Editorial TeamFact-checked against cited sources · Veterinary review pendingLast reviewed
Educational information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or ate something worrying, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line now. Emergency steps.
Sago Palm: plant facts
| Scientific name | Cycas revoluta, Zamia species |
|---|---|
| Family | Cycadaceae |
| Other names | Coontie palm, Cardboard palm, Cycads |
| Toxic parts | All parts, especially the seeds (nuts) |
| Toxic principle | Cycasin |
| Where you'll find it | indoor, outdoor |
Severity scale: “usually mild” means the ASPCA lists only mouth, stomach or skin irritation; “highly toxic” means it lists organ failure, heart effects, seizures or death.
Signs to watch for
Cats
- Vomiting
- melena
- icterus
- increased thirst
- hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
- bruising
- coagulopathy
- liver damage
- liver failure
- death
Dogs
- Vomiting
- melena
- icterus
- increased thirst
- hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
- bruising
- coagulopathy
- liver damage
- liver failure
- death
My pet ate sago palm. What do I do?
- Go to an emergency vet now — don't wait for signs.
- Call your veterinarian or a pet poison line: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply.
- Don't make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison control tells you to.
What it could cost
If your pet needs care after eating sago palm
We publish a price range only after it is checked against named sources — our poisoning treatment and emergency vet visit and bloodwork guide is in verification. A vet bill for this kind of visit is usually built from these line items:
- Exam or emergency consultation fee
- Tests: bloodwork, urine tests or imaging
- Treatment, such as decontamination or medication
- Hospital stay and monitoring, if needed
- Follow-up visits and recheck tests
Pet-safe alternatives
Related plants
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the sago palm is most toxic?
Pet Poison Helpline says ingesting any part can be life-threatening, especially the seed (nut).
Sources
- Sago Palm — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Accessed November 8, 2026.
- Sago Palm. Pet Poison Helpline. Accessed November 8, 2026.
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