Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ Toxic plants · Zamiaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is coontie toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Coontie (Zamia integrifolia) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.

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Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)
Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include vomiting, dark stools, jaundice (yellow gums or eyes), drinking more than usual, bloody diarrhea, bruising, liver failure, drooling, loss of appetite, dullness or depression, diarrhea, weakness and wobbliness or poor coordination. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.

§ 020 · If it happened

What to do if your pet ate it

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.

§ 030 · Same family

Other Zamiaceae plants toxic to pets

Coontie belongs to the Zamiaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about coontie and pets

Is coontie toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists coontie as toxic to cats.

Is coontie toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists coontie as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats coontie?

Signs include vomiting, dark stools, jaundice (yellow gums or eyes), drinking more than usual, bloody diarrhea, bruising, liver failure, drooling, loss of appetite, dullness or depression, diarrhea, weakness and wobbliness or poor coordination. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.

What should I do if my pet ate it?

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.

Changes

5 Oct 2026: page drafted.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.

Plant Smart: Plant Smart: plants toxic to pets.

Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons, source.

Checked Oct 2026.