Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Palm trees are found in many parts of the US, where the weather is more tropical. The plants are beautiful and often symbolize places where it’s fun to take vacations and relax! However, are palm trees poisonous to cats?
Has your cat eaten some palm tree material? Are you worried the palm tree will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.
We’ve put together information about palm trees and whether they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Palm Tree
Did you know that palm trees come in over 2,780 species? That’s amazing! Many of these plants are in the Aceraceae family and live in warmer, tropical areas. Some of them even produce fruit. But are palm trees true trees?
Here’s a definition we found at Merriam-Webster online:
“A kind of tree that grows in tropical regions and has a straight, tall trunk and many large leaves at the top of the trunk.”
Wow, that definition isn’t very specific! However, palm trees are considered trees. There’s no question that palm trees are pretty. The question is can they make a cat sick? Are palm trees toxic to cats?
Palm Trees & Cats
Unfortunately, some palm trees are poisonous to cats. The main ones are the sago palm (not a true palm) and the betel nut palm.
However, it’s possible for a cat to get sick eating other palms, too.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Cat Has Eaten Palm Tree Materials
If your cat has eaten any parts of the palm tree, it’s best to call the vet immediately. This is important, especially if you’re not sure what kind of palm tree your cat has eaten. We strongly urge you to call the vet right away because some palm trees are toxic to cats. And it’s more important to ensure your cat is OK or that she receives treatment right away in case she ate a poisonous palm.
So, don’t wait to see if your cat develops symptoms; call the vet immediately. The prognosis is always best for cats who receive prompt medical treatment after eating palm tree materials.
If you have palms in your yard or home (such as the sago palm—these are toxic to cats), you may want to keep her away from the plant. If she’s intent on eating it, it’s best to move the plant where she can’t gain access or get rid of it. If the tree is in your yard, it may be necessary to get rid of the palm tree. That seems drastic, but it’s imperative to ensure your fur baby doesn’t eat the tree, especially if it’s toxic.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now