Is the ZZ Plant Toxic to Cats? What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Ava Wilson

By Ava Wilson

01 Jan. 2025

8 min read

ZZ Plant Toxic to Cats
Photo: @farmerjohnsgreenhouse

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    Most of us love to grow plants in the backyard to make the surrounding fresh and vibrant. One such plant is ZZ, also known as Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, which is loved by many homeowners due to its stunning, shining, and vibrant green leaves that resemble feathers. The other features that make ZZ plants a preferred choice of homeowners are the capability to bear the brunt of harsh weather conditions, less frequent watering requirements and tolerance to direct and indirect sunlight. However, the primary concern for most of the pet parents is if ZZ plants are toxic to cats? Before adding ZZ houseplants, it’s important to know that these plants are known to be toxic to pets. In this article we discuss different reasons and other aspects of the toxicity of ZZ plants.

    Why is the Zz Plant Toxic to Cats?

    The primary reason for the toxicity of the ZZ plant is that it is part of the Araceae family, which contains calcium oxalate known to be mildly toxic for pets and, to some extent for humans. Calcium oxalate has an acute sharp shape, which may damage the cells and other organs in the body, and the bodies don’t absorb calcium oxalate compounds easily. The only saving grace is that cats are not fond of ZZ plants and don’t prefer to eat them, so the chances of internal injury are minimal. However, if cats consume the plant by any means, they tend to spit out because of the discomfort and swelling in their mouth.

    What is the Extent of Toxicity of Zz Plants to Cats?

    It’s vital to understand the extent of toxicity of ZZ plants which will help you to move ahead and find out methods to keep cats away from these plants or the steps to take in case of an emergency when cats consume the plant.

    These plants are not fatal and life-threatening for the feline’s health, but they may make them feel sick and uncomfortable. When cats rub against the plant or chew the leaves, they start showing symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, and pawing at the mouth, which calls for urgent attention. You should take them immediately to a veterinarian for treatment. Make them drink water till the symptoms subside.

    Symptoms in Cats After Consuming Zz Plant

    The early symptoms in cats after consuming the ZZ plant are as follows:

    • The cat starts feeling an unpleasant burning sensation in their mouth after consuming the leaf, stem, or root of the plant.
    • When cats consume ZZ plant parts in higher quantities, they may encounter digestive problems, vomiting, drooling, and scratching.
    • Swelling in the mouth.

    Tips to Keep Cats Safe From Zz Plants

    Here are some of the preventive measures to keep your cats away from ZZ plants to ensure their good health. Let’s have a look at the tips:

    Keep the Zz Plant at a Height

    ZZ Plant at a Height
    Photo: @urbangreen.bh

    Keeping the plant out of reach of the cats is one of the best and easiest ways to avoid physical interaction between the plant and with cats. Place ZZ plants on high shelves where pets can never reach.

    Use Coffee Ground or Orange Peel Around the Plant

    The smell of coffee grounds and orange peel acts as a repellent when placed next to the ground. Cats hate to cross such places. It’s a natural preventive measure.

    Build a Harmless Physical Barrier

    Harmless Barrier for ZZ Plants
    Photo: @sleshthestar

    Another natural method to keep cats away is by creating physical barriers around the ZZ plants using one part of water with two parts of water or aluminum or double-sided tape around the base of the plant.

    Engage Cats in Fun-filled Activities

    Deviating cats from the plant is an effective way to keep cats away from ZZ plants. The best way to deviate from them is to engage in fun-filled activities the way you do for kids. You can entertain them with toys or cat-friendly plants to keep them engaged.

    Train Them Regularly

    Regularly imparting training to your cat is yet another preventive measure to avoid their proximity to these plants. These training are usually imparted to cats to make them understand a fixed unpleasant pattern to discourage them from approaching the area where ZZ plants are kept. For example, spray water each time cats try to go near the plant so they will surely avoid going to that area.

    Hang a Small Zz Plant Variety in a Hanging Pot

    Small Zz Plant Variety in a Hanging Pot
    Photo: @marlouvolkerink

    Hanging the plant in a pot above the floor is another smart way to keep it out of reach of the feline. No matter how much they grow, they can’t jump to the height of the plant.

    Dispose of Pruned Plants Safely

    Never ignore the disposal of pruned plants because if any stem or leaves of the pruned plant are left on the floor, cats may ingest them without realizing their side effects. Always dispose of pruned plants at a safer place.

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