Yes. ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are considered toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or eaten. NC State Extension classifies the plant as having medium toxicity to both animals. The ASPCA includes ZZ plants among plants that contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
That classification is a warning, not a prediction that every pet will have the same reaction. The amount chewed, the pet, and the symptoms all matter. The cited sources do not establish a reliable “safe amount” for an individual cat or dog, so don’t try to judge an exposure by guessing how much was eaten.
If you’re also caring for a ZZ plant, our ZZ Plant profile covers its growing needs, including light, watering, and soil.
Why can a ZZ plant irritate a pet?
When a pet bites plant tissue, tiny needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals—often called raphides—can be released. They irritate the mouth and nearby tissues. A pet may show discomfort soon after chewing, but an online article cannot confirm what was eaten or assess an individual exposure.
The risk discussed here is chewing or eating plant material. Keep fallen leaves and pruning pieces out of reach as well as the potted plant.
Signs to watch for
Cats and dogs may show signs such as:
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Head shaking or visible mouth discomfort
- Retching, nausea, or reduced appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
In rare cases involving a large exposure, significant stomach pain or swelling at the back of the throat may occur. Trouble breathing or swallowing needs urgent veterinary attention.
How serious is ZZ plant exposure?
The sources use different severity wording. NC State Extension labels the plant as having medium toxicity, while the ASPCA describes insoluble calcium oxalate exposures as generally low severity and says long-term effects are not expected in many cases. The ASPCA also warns that a large exposure can rarely cause throat swelling and breathing difficulty.
These descriptions cannot determine how a particular pet will respond. Don’t treat “low severity” as proof that an exposure is harmless, and don’t wait for symptoms if you know your pet chewed the plant.
What to do if your pet chews a ZZ plant
- Move your pet away from the plant. Pick up fallen leaves and pieces to prevent further chewing.
- Identify what was eaten. Take a clear photo of the plant and keep its label if available. Note when the chewing may have happened, how much material appears to be missing, and any symptoms.
- Contact a veterinarian or poison-control service. In the U.S., ASPCA Animal Poison Control is available at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Consultation fees may apply.
- Go to an emergency veterinary hospital for breathing or swallowing problems. Do not wait for those symptoms to pass.
- Do not induce vomiting or give medication unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional specifically tells you to.
When you call, be ready to share your pet’s species, approximate weight and age, what part of the plant may have been chewed, when it happened, and what signs you have noticed.
How to reduce the risk at home
Keep the plant, fallen leaves, and pruning waste somewhere your pet cannot reach. A high shelf may not be secure for a cat that climbs or jumps. If your pet regularly chews houseplants, consider moving the ZZ plant to a closed, pet-free room.
If you’re comparing other houseplants, browse our plant directory. Check the exact species against a pet-safety source before bringing it home; common names alone can be confusing.
Frequently asked questions
Are ZZ plants toxic to cats?
Yes. ZZ plants are considered toxic to cats if chewed or eaten. If you suspect your cat chewed the plant, contact a veterinarian or poison-control service for case-specific advice.
Are ZZ plants toxic to dogs?
Yes. Dogs can also be affected after chewing or eating ZZ plant material. Contact a veterinarian or poison-control service rather than estimating the risk from the amount you think was swallowed.
Will a small bite be safe?
The sources cited here do not give a safe-dose threshold for an individual pet. Call a veterinarian or poison-control service and describe the exposure.
Should I make my pet vomit?
No. Don’t try to induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional specifically directs you to.
This guide provides general information and cannot assess an individual pet’s exposure. Contact a veterinarian or poison-control service for advice about a specific incident.
