Is ZZ Plant Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
ZZ plant is mildly to moderately toxic to both cats and dogs — calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth burning, drooling, and vomiting. Not usually life-threatening.
Usually minor, but watch for symptoms.
Usually minor, but watch for symptoms.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is ZZ Plant?
ZZ plant is mildly to moderately toxic to both cats and dogs — calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth burning, drooling, and vomiting. Not usually life-threatening.
Also known as: zamioculcas zamiifolia, zanzibar gem, zuzu plant, aroid palm, eternity plant, zz plant leaves.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Burning or irritation of the mouth and lips from chewing
- Drooling and pawing at the mouth
- Occasional vomiting or mild diarrhea
- Signs are usually mild and resolve within hours
🐈 In Cats
- Mouth burning and heavy drooling
- Pawing at the mouth and head shaking
- Occasional vomiting
- Signs are usually mild and resolve within hours
What to Do If Ingested
- Remove any remaining leaf material from the mouth.
- Rinse the mouth with water or offer milk to soothe irritation.
- Offer water and monitor for a few hours.
- Call a vet only if vomiting persists or the mouth is badly swollen.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting. Have a cat? Run the Pet Poison Triage Wizard for cat-specific steps.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- A large amount was eaten
- Persistent drooling, vomiting, or refusal to eat
- Breathing difficulty or severe swelling
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ZZ plant really "highly toxic"? I have heard scary things.
Online rumors exaggerate it. The ZZ plant contains the same insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as pothos and monstera — it causes painful mouth irritation, drooling, and sometimes vomiting, but it does not cause organ failure. The pain usually stops pets after one bite. It is unpleasant, not deadly — though a vet call is still wise if a lot was eaten.
Is it safe to touch a ZZ plant?
Handling the plant is generally fine, though the sap can irritate sensitive skin — wear gloves when pruning or repotting, and wash your hands afterward. The risk to pets comes from chewing the leaves or stems, not from walking past it or brushing against it.
What should I do right after my pet chews a ZZ plant leaf?
Remove any plant material from the mouth, rinse the mouth with water, and offer milk or ice — the fat and cold help soothe the crystal irritation. Most pets settle within a few hours. Call a vet if drooling, vomiting, or swelling persists, or if your pet has trouble breathing.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicology
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poisons
Last reviewed: 2026-10-16