Sago Palm Poisoning in Cats

Sago palms are a popular choice for outdoor landscaping and as indoor plans. But while these attractive plants lend a lovely tropical vibe to any space, they're also highly toxic to cats and dogs.

A member of the cycad family, sago palms contain multiple toxic compounds, most notably cycasin. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the seeds are particularly toxic to our furry friends. Ingesting sago palm can initially cause symptoms of gastrointestinal upset and result in severe liver failure.

Urgent veterinary treatment is vital to give your cat the best chance of survival, but cases of severe poisoning or delays in accessing treatment can be fatal. With this in mind, it's also a good idea to take stock of the plants in your home and garden to make sure your fur-baby can't access dangerous plants like the sago palm.

Gastrointestinal upset is often among the first signs of sago palm poisoning in cats. Initial symptoms can occur in as little as 15 minutes and may include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Depression

Sago palm poisoning can then go on to affect the central nervous system and damage the liver. Further symptoms can include:

• Paralysis
• Bleeding
• Seizures
• Increased thirst and urination
• Jaundice
• Bruising
• Signs of weakness
• Tremors
• Abdominal pain
• Fluid retention in the abdomen
• Death
  

Urgent treatment is essential to maximize your pet's chances of survival.

Types 

The sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is one of several cycads that are toxic to cats. Others include the Japanese cycad, coontie palm, cardboard palm, and zamia. Check out our guide to cycad poisoning in cats for more information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many other types of plants are toxic to cats, including autumn crocus, plants in the lily family (including Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and day lilies), foxglove, and oleander. The only way to ensure that your cat does not come into contact with poisonous plants is to know which ones are harmful and keep them out of your home. Outdoor cats can come into contact with toxic plants anywhere, so it's always safer to keep cats indoors.

Sago palms contain several toxic compounds, including cycasin. All parts of the plant are toxic, but particularly the seeds or nuts. Seeds and nuts are also easier for pets to ingest than other parts of the sago palm, so they pose the biggest risk to your fur-baby.

If ingested, the cycasin in sago palm damages the liver, resulting in the symptoms listed above. And if your cat doesn't receive urgent treatment, sago palm poisoning can be fatal.

If you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of the sago palm plant, contact your vet immediately. If's after hours, call a local emergency veterinary clinic or an animal poison control center.

The sooner you get your cat veterinary care, the better their chances of recovery. The overall health of your cat and the amount of sago palm they've ingested are also factors that can determine the success of treatment.

Blood and urine tests can identify damage to the liver. Your vet will begin treatment immediately if poisoning is suspected.

As there's no antidote for sago palm poisoning, treatment focuses on supportive care and managing the symptoms. Treatment options include: 

• Inducing vomiting, to remove the sago palm before it is absorbed by the stomach and intestines
• Administration of activated charcoal, which binds with toxins and removes them from the system
• Intravenous fluid therapy
• Gastric lavage (stomach pumping)
• Blood transfusion
• Oxygen therapy
• Liver supplements and support

These treatments may be accompanied by the use of anti-nausea medications, medications to help prevent seizures, and vitamin K injections if needed.

Unfortunately, sago palm poisoning can be fatal. According to Pet Poison Helpline, even with aggressive treatment, only about 50% of pets survive. To protect your pet, be sure to remove any sago palms from your home and garden, and monitor your cat closely if they're allowed outdoors.

If treatment is successful, regular follow-up care may be required to monitor liver function. Your cat may need to be put on a prescribed hepatic diet, and you will need to watch for further signs of liver damage and neurological issues.

Sago palm poisoning can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of sago palm poisoning, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!