Is Parlour Palm Safe for Cats?

Chamaedorea elegans

Chamaedorea elegans is listed as non-toxic to cats. It is a slow-growing, shade-tolerant palm that copes with a British living room and the occasional nibble.

It makes a good swap for plants it resembles: many 'palm-like' houseplants, such as sago palm, are extremely toxic, so getting the species right matters.

What to watch for in the UK

• Sold in garden centres as a low-light houseplant.
• Do not confuse it with sago palm, which is highly toxic.
• Fertiliser and leaf-shine products are the real risk, not the palm.
• Mist the leaves; cats often investigate the fronds.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Nothing to do.
2. Check the plant is actually a parlour palm if you are unsure of the species.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).