Is ZZ Plant Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Zanzibar Gem, Emerald Palm, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Aroid Palm · Zamioculcas zamiifolia
What makes it toxic
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals plus saponins in all parts, including the underground rhizomes. The needle-like crystals pierce mouth tissue on chewing.
Warning signs to watch for
Immediate burning of lips and tongue, heavy drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and reluctance to eat, starting within minutes.
What to do if your cat eats it
Rinse the mouth with water, remove plant material and offer water or milk. Call your vet if drooling and vomiting persist beyond an hour or breathing seems affected.
Common questions
Is the ZZ plant really poisonous enough to worry about?
It is an irritant, not a killer — no deaths are documented. But the mouth pain is real, and repeated chewing means repeated pain, so keep it out of reach.
Are the underground bulbs more toxic than the leaves?
All parts carry oxalates, and the rhizome is concentrated. Cats rarely dig them up, but treat any chewed part the same way.
Can touching the ZZ plant hurt my cat’s skin?
Contact alone rarely causes more than mild irritation. Chewing is what triggers the strong reaction.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.