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Is lady palm toxic to cats and dogs?

Safe for cats and dogs

Lady palm · Rhapis excelsa

Good news: Lady palm is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. You can keep it in a home with pets without worrying about accidental nibbling causing serious harm.

ASPCA

Lady palm (Rhapis excelsa)
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Why it’s safe

The verdict comes from one place: the ASPCA’s list of non-toxic plants, checked by hand against this species rather than inferred from its family.

Keep it out of reach not because it’s dangerous, but because soil and leaves can tempt curious pets who might dig or knock the pot over.

If your pet chewed it anyway

  • Non-toxic does not mean harmless to eat: any plant can cause vomiting or an upset stomach.
  • The plant may not be the only risk. Fertilizer or pesticide on the leaves or in the soil can make a pet sick, so if the plant was treated, call your vet.
  • Gagging, heavy drooling or repeated attempts to swallow can mean a piece is stuck in the throat. Call your vet.
  • Also call if vomiting keeps going, your pet is unusually tired, or it will not eat.

Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice. Sources: Pet Poison Helpline: Fertilizers, ASPCA: Tips for a pet-safe yard and garden, Merck Veterinary Manual: Esophageal foreign bodies in small animals.

All lady palm guides

Related plants

Pygmy date palm: pet toxicityPhoenix roebeleniiPet-safeAreca palmDypsis lutescensPet-safeKentia palmHowea forsterianaPet-safeParlor palmChamaedorea elegansPet-safe

Common questions

Is lady palm safe for cats?

Yes, lady palm is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. It is not known to cause poisoning. However, eating large amounts of any plant can cause mild stomach upset, so it’s best to discourage your cat from chewing it.

Is lady palm safe for dogs?

Yes, lady palm is non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. It is not known to cause serious harm if nibbled. If your dog eats a large amount and seems unwell, contact your vet to be safe.

Can I keep lady palm with pets at home?

Lady palm is considered pet-safe and is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. You can safely keep it in a home with cats and dogs. It’s still a good idea to keep plants out of reach to protect both the plant and your pet’s digestive comfort.

ASPCA reference · Last reviewed: