Native to eastern Africa, from northeastern South Africa to Kenya, ZZ plants are a real charm if you are looking for an evergreen garden or houseplant with pinnately compound and lovely glossy leaves that grow from its rhizome.
ZZ plant is a common name for the genus Zamioculcas and, by extension, its only species Zamioculcas zamiifolia in the family Araceae (the arum family).
Unfortunately, Zamioculcas, also known as eternity plant, The Answer Tree, Zuzu plant, emerald palm, aroid plant, aroid palm, Zanzibar gem, or ZZ plants, are poisonous to cats, dogs, and even human beings, notes the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.
Why are they toxic? The ZZ plants are toxic to cats because they have insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, just like most other plants in the same family like pothos, monsteras, aglaonemas, and dumb cane, calla lilies, peace lilies, Caladium, flamingo plant, among others.
When cats ingest any plant with insoluble calcium oxalates, they will pierce or embed on their oral or intestinal mucous membrane causing a lot of pain.
Symptom of toxicity
If your cats eat ZZ plants, some of the typical symptoms they suffer from include the following:
- Severe oral irritation and burning that includes the tongue, lips, and mouth.
- Excessive salivation
- Vomiting
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Reduced appetite
- Mouth pawing
- Mouth forming
Humans will suffer from dermatitis if the sap of Zamioculcas touches their skin, and it is toxic if it is ingested and will irritate the mucous membrane.
If you have a reason to suspect your cat has eaten the ZZ plants, take her to your vet or call the following numbers for further assistance:
- The American Association of Poison Control Centers (800) 222-1222
- The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (800)426-4435 (charges a fee).
- The Pet Poison Helpline 1 (855) 764-7661
Protection
If you love this charming and hardy plant and you have cats, you can still grow it. However, you will need to ensure you protect, i.e., ensure your children and pets don’t access it.
The sure way to protect your dangerous or harmful houseplants is cat-proofing them. You also need to ensure your kids cannot access any toxic plants. Something like a plant terrarium will work well.
Other ways may include the use of cat repellents and deterrents, training them not to eat plants, picking any leaves that fall, and so on. These methods cannot guarantee you 100% that your cat won’t nibble harmful houseplants.