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If your cat ate mortgage lifter bean — 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.

Mortgage Lifter Bean is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Mortgage Lifter Bean — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take mortgage lifter bean 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 mortgage lifter bean — FAQ

Is mortgage lifter bean poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Mortgage Lifter Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue') as mildly toxic to cats. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is not individually listed as non-toxic on the ASPCA database, so it is not affirmed pet-safe. Raw and undercooked beans contain phytohaemagglutinin (a lectin) that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and unripe pods/foliage can cause GI upset in cats and dogs. Treat as mildly toxic, keep pets from raw pods, and verify with a vet on ingestion.

How serious is it if my cat ate mortgage lifter bean?

Mortgage Lifter Bean is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is not individually listed as non-toxic on the ASPCA database, so it is not affirmed pet-safe. Raw and undercooked beans contain phytohaemagglutinin (a lectin) that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and unripe pods/foliage can cause GI upset in cats and dogs. Treat as mildly toxic, keep pets from raw pods, and verify with a vet on ingestion. 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 mortgage lifter bean well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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