Yes. NC State Extension's Plant Toolbox page for ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) says it "has a medium toxicity to cats and dogs" and names calcium oxalate as the toxic principle. The ASPCA's plant database has no ZZ plant entry. If your pet chewed or swallowed any, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

For growing it, see the ZZ plant care guide and best soil for ZZ plant.

What happens if a cat or dog eats a ZZ plant

NC State Extension's Zamioculcas zamiifolia page lists "Problem for Cats" and "Problem for Dogs" and says the plant "has a medium toxicity to cats and dogs." Under its "Poisonous to Humans" heading, it gives the symptoms as "diarrhea, vomiting if leaves are consumed in quantity," lists the leaves under "Poison Part" and rates the poison severity as "Medium." It lists no signs specific to pets.

The ASPCA has also written about the plant. Its article These Houseplants Can Cause Trouble for Your Pets lists "ZZ plant (Zamioculcas spp.)" among "the most common insoluble calcium oxalate-containing plants ASPCA Poison Control receives calls about." It says, "These types of plants are toxic, and when ingested by pets can cause a number of symptoms." For that group as a whole, not ZZ plant alone, it describes "drooling, retching, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea," and adds that head shaking and pawing at the mouth "may also be observed." The same article says of these plants, "the severity is low," while NC State rates ZZ plant's poison severity as "Medium."

What to do if your pet ate some

Call your veterinarian, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The ASPCA's instruction is: "If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435." The same page notes, "A consultation fee may apply."

The ASPCA's houseplant article adds, for the plants it lists: "If your pet is having trouble swallowing or difficulty breathing, remain calm and bring your pet directly to a veterinary hospital."

Have the plant's name ready. The botanical name, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is clearer than "ZZ plant." NC State also lists aroid palm, emerald palm, eternity plant, Zanzibar gem and zuzu plant as common names, so a plant tag may use any of them. Then follow the instructions the veterinarian or poison control specialist gives you.

Does the ASPCA list ZZ plant?

Not in its database. The ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list has no entry for ZZ plant under that name, Zanzibar gem, Zamioculcas or the other common names above. That is why this page uses NC State Extension as its toxicity source.

The ASPCA does name the plant in the article above, at genus level ("Zamioculcas spp."), in its list of calcium oxalate plants. The two sources point the same way: both treat ZZ plant as toxic to pets.

Which parts of a ZZ plant are toxic, and can touching it cause a rash?

NC State lists only the leaves under "Poison Part." The ASPCA article, describing all the plants on its list, says "the leaves, stems and stalks of the plant contain very small, needle-like crystals called raphides."

On touch, NC State answers "No" to "Causes Contact Dermatitis" for ZZ plant. Its symptom note, "diarrhea, vomiting if leaves are consumed in quantity," sits under its heading on poisoning in people.

Keeping a ZZ plant in a home with pets

  • Place it out of reach. A high shelf or a room your pet doesn't use works better than a floor spot.
  • Pick up fallen leaflets before a pet finds them. NC State lists the leaves as the poison part.
  • Think about how your pet moves. A cat that climbs shelves can reach places a dog cannot.
  • Don't rely on deterrents. No placement or deterrent spray guarantees that a pet will leave a plant alone. If your pet is a determined chewer, a plant the ASPCA lists as non-toxic is the simpler choice.

If you were weighing a snake plant instead, it is not a non-toxic swap: the ASPCA's Snake Plant entry (Sansevieria trifasciata) lists it as toxic to dogs and cats. See are snake plants toxic to cats and snake plant vs. ZZ plant.

Houseplants the ASPCA lists as non-toxic

The ASPCA's plant list adds a caveat that applies to every plant: "the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats." With that in mind, these houseplants have ASPCA entries listing them as non-toxic to dogs and cats:

For longer lists, see plants safe for cats, plants safe for dogs and the toxic plant directory.

Frequently asked

Is a ZZ plant toxic to dogs?
Yes. NC State Extension says ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) has a medium toxicity to cats and dogs and names calcium oxalate as the toxic principle. The ASPCA plant database has no ZZ entry, but an ASPCA article lists ZZ plant among calcium oxalate plants that are toxic to pets.
Does the ASPCA list the ZZ plant as toxic?
The ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database has no ZZ plant entry. An ASPCA article, 'These Houseplants Can Cause Trouble for Your Pets,' lists ZZ plant (Zamioculcas spp.) among insoluble calcium oxalate-containing plants and says these plants are toxic.
Is it safe to have a ZZ plant in a house with cats?
NC State Extension lists ZZ plant as toxic to cats, so no spot in the house makes it risk-free. If you keep one, put it well out of reach or in a room your cat doesn't use, and pick up fallen leaflets. If your cat chews plants, a plant the ASPCA lists as non-toxic, such as a parlor palm, is the simpler choice.
What should I do if my cat ate a ZZ plant leaf?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA notes that a consultation fee may apply. Have the plant's botanical name, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, ready.
Is a ZZ plant poisonous to touch?
NC State Extension answers 'No' to whether ZZ plant causes contact dermatitis, and it lists the leaves as the poison part.

Sources: NC State Extension: Zamioculcas zamiifolia, ASPCA: These Houseplants Can Cause Trouble for Your Pets, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants, ASPCA: Snake Plant, ASPCA: Parlor Palm, ASPCA: Spider Plant, ASPCA: Boston Fern, ASPCA: Calathea