Is the ZZ Plant Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), also called Zanzibar gem, is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is one of the insoluble calcium oxalate plants that ASPCA Poison Control names among the houseplants it gets calls about most often. When a pet chews the leaves or stems, tiny needle-shaped crystals are released into the mouth and cause immediate pain and irritation.

The ZZ plant is rarely a serious danger. ASPCA Poison Control describes the severity of these exposures as low and says many can be managed at home, because the sting in the mouth usually stops a pet after the first bite.

How to recognize it

The ZZ plant grows stiff, upright stalks lined with glossy, waxy, dark green leaflets that look almost artificial. Under the soil it stores water in thick, potato-like rhizomes, which is why the plant survives dim rooms and weeks without watering. A near-black form is sold as 'Raven'.

Signs to watch for

• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth or shaking the head
• Retching or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea

What to do

• Wipe or rinse your pet's mouth gently with water and offer a drink.
• Call your vet if vomiting or drooling continues, and go in straight away if your pet has trouble swallowing or breathing.
• Keep the pot off the floor or in a room your pet does not use.

Is the ZZ plant as dangerous as the internet says?

The ZZ plant has a scary reputation online, with stories of pets falling gravely ill from one leaf. The reality reported by ASPCA Poison Control is calmer: ZZ belongs to the same insoluble calcium oxalate group as pothos and peace lily, the severity is low, and long-term effects are not expected.

The ZZ plant can still cause a hard day. Pets that chew a lot may drool heavily, retch, refuse food and have diarrhea. ASPCA Poison Control notes that, rarely, a large exposure causes significant stomach pain or swelling at the back of the throat that makes breathing difficult. Noisy breathing or a swollen face is a reason to go to a vet at once.

A ZZ plant is not a money tree

The ZZ plant is often sold in Chinese-speaking markets under a name that means "money tree", and it is a popular gift for Lunar New Year and shop openings. The same nickname is also used for Pachira, the braided money tree, and for the jade plant. Pachira is non-toxic to cats and dogs, while the jade plant and the ZZ plant are not, so a gift tag alone does not tell you which one you have.

The botanical name on the label settles the question. If the label is missing, look at the plant itself: a ZZ plant has no trunk at all, just separate glossy stalks rising from the soil, while Pachira has a woody trunk with leaves spreading like fingers at the top.

Repotting, rhizomes and fallen leaflets

A ZZ plant that outgrows its pot is usually divided by pulling apart the rhizomes, and this is when pets are most likely to get hold of pieces. Broken stalks, loose leaflets and chunks of rhizome on the floor are all plant material a puppy may chew.

A ZZ plant also drops single leaflets as it ages or when it is overwatered. Those fallen leaflets are just as irritating as fresh ones.

• Repot on a table, away from pets, and sweep up straight after.
• Wear gloves and wash your hands when you handle cut stems.
• Check the pot weekly for dropped leaflets.
• Do not leave divided rhizomes drying on a low shelf or the floor.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

• Non-toxicMoney tree (Pachira)
• Non-toxicSpider plant

Common questions

Is ZZ plant poisonous to pets?

Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. The ZZ plant is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing a ZZ plant irritates the mouth and can cause drooling or vomiting, but serious illness is rare.

Is it safe to keep ZZ plant in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Keep the pot off the floor or in a room your pet does not use.

What should I do if my pet chews ZZ plant?

Wipe or rinse your pet's mouth gently with water and offer a drink. Call your vet if vomiting or drooling continues, and go in straight away if your pet has trouble swallowing or breathing.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of ZZ plant?

Money tree and spider plant are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

← All plants

Sources

• ASPCA. These Houseplants Can Cause Trouble for Your Pets.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).