Is ZZ Plant Toxic to Cats and Dogs? Symptoms and What to Do

Updated 25 October 2026 · about 4 min read

Yes, ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Like pothos and peace lily, it's an aroid, and its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth when chewed. Pets usually drool, paw at their mouth and may vomit, and serious poisoning is uncommon. If your pet has chewed a ZZ plant, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Why ZZ plant is toxic

ZZ plants belong to the arum family (Araceae), along with pothos, philodendron, monstera and peace lily. Plants in this family contain calcium oxalate crystals, tiny needle-shaped structures that embed in the mouth and throat when the plant is bitten. That causes immediate pain and swelling.

Because the reaction is painful straight away, most pets stop after one bite. That's why ZZ plant poisoning is usually mild. The crystals are found throughout the plant, including the thick underground rhizomes that a digging pet might uncover.

Is ZZ plant poisonous to touch?

You may have read that ZZ plant is dangerously poisonous to touch. That's a myth. Touching the leaves won't poison you or your pet. The sap can irritate sensitive skin, so it's sensible to wash your hands after pruning or repotting, and to keep pets away from cut stems.

Symptoms of ZZ plant poisoning in cats and dogs

Signs usually start within minutes of chewing:

  • Drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Red or swollen lips, tongue or gums
  • Vomiting
  • Reluctance to eat or difficulty swallowing

In rare cases, swelling can affect breathing. That's an emergency, so go to a vet straight away.

What to do if your pet ate ZZ plant

  1. Remove any plant pieces from your pet's mouth if you can safely do so.
  2. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (open 24/7; a consultation fee may apply).
  3. Don't induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
  4. Offer water if your vet says it's okay.
  5. Watch your pet for the next few hours for swelling, repeated vomiting or breathing changes.

Most pets recover within a day with little treatment.

How to keep a ZZ plant with pets

ZZ plants are slow growing and fairly upright, so they're less tempting to chew than trailing plants. To lower the risk:

  • Place it on a stand or table out of reach of dogs.
  • Keep it in a room your pet doesn't use if your cat chews leaves.
  • Pick up any leaves or stems you remove, including cuttings you're propagating.
  • Cover the soil if your pet likes to dig, since the rhizomes are just below the surface.

ZZ plants are famous for tolerating dim rooms. Our guide to the best low light plants has more options, including pet-safe ones.

Pet-safe alternatives to ZZ plant

These low-maintenance plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and handle lower light:

  • Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior): the closest pet-safe match for toughness.
  • Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans): soft fronds and happy away from windows.
  • Peperomia: compact, glossy leaves and easy watering.
  • Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): tolerates a range of light and is easy to grow.

Not sure what plant you have?

A young ZZ plant can be confused with other glossy-leaved houseplants. Planted can identify a plant from a photo so you can give your vet the right name and check the rest of your plants for pet safety.

Common questions

Can a ZZ plant kill a cat?

It's very unlikely. The pain from the crystals usually stops cats from eating much, and symptoms are mostly limited to the mouth and stomach. Call your vet if your cat has trouble breathing, keeps vomiting or stops eating.

Is ZZ plant toxic to dogs?

Yes. Dogs react the same way as cats, with drooling, mouth irritation and sometimes vomiting.

Is Raven ZZ plant toxic too?

Yes. The Raven ZZ, with its near-black leaves, is a variety of Zamioculcas zamiifolia and contains the same calcium oxalate crystals.

Which is safer for pets, ZZ plant or snake plant?

Neither is pet-safe. Both usually cause mild symptoms: ZZ plant mainly irritates the mouth, while snake plant mainly upsets the stomach. If you want a plant that's listed as non-toxic, choose a cast iron plant or parlor palm instead.