Pet emergency
My cat ate Lupinus 'The Governor' — what to do
Step by step
- Take lupinus 'the governor' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate lupinus 'the governor' — FAQ
Is lupinus 'the governor' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Lupinus 'The Governor' (Lupinus 'The Governor') as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. Lupinus contains quinolizidine alkaloids (lupinine, sparteine, anagyrine and others), most concentrated in the seeds and pods; the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline flag lupines/bluebonnets as toxic, causing salivation, GI upset, incoordination, tremors and, in large doses, breathing difficulty. Keep pets away from seedpods.
How serious is it if my cat ate lupinus 'the governor'?
Lupinus 'The Governor' is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Toxic to cats and dogs. Lupinus contains quinolizidine alkaloids (lupinine, sparteine, anagyrine and others), most concentrated in the seeds and pods; the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline flag lupines/bluebonnets as toxic, causing salivation, GI upset, incoordination, tremors and, in large doses, breathing difficulty. Keep pets away from seedpods. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep lupinus 'the governor' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is lupinus 'the governor' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Lupinus 'The Governor' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide