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If your cat ate lydian broom — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Lydian Broom is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Lydian Broom — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take lydian broom away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 lydian broom — FAQ

Is lydian broom poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Lydian Broom (Genista lydia) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA classifies Genista as toxic to cats and dogs. Genista lydia, like most leguminous broom species, contains quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine and sparteine. These compounds are not listed individually on the ASPCA database for this species, but related Cytisus/Genista brooms are documented to cause vomiting, abdominal discomfort, weakness, and cardiac effects in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic and keep pets from ingesting foliage or seed pods.

How serious is it if my cat ate lydian broom?

Lydian Broom 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. The ASPCA classifies Genista as toxic to cats and dogs. Genista lydia, like most leguminous broom species, contains quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine and sparteine. These compounds are not listed individually on the ASPCA database for this species, but related Cytisus/Genista brooms are documented to cause vomiting, abdominal discomfort, weakness, and cardiac effects in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic and keep pets from ingesting foliage or seed pods. 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 lydian broom well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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