Pet safety
Is Narrow-leaved Everlasting Peatoxic to cats & dogs?
Lathyrus sylvestris
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Lathyrus sylvestris
Is narrow-leaved everlasting pea safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — narrow-leaved everlasting pea is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Seeds and foliage contain lathyrogen toxic amino acids, principally beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), which interfere with collagen cross-linking and cause lathyrism — neurological and vascular damage with prolonged large-quantity ingestion. ASPCA records primary toxicity to horses; the related Lathyrus latifolius is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs for typical exposure levels. Prevent pets from eating seeds; classified as mildly-toxic given the shared genus profile.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats narrow-leaved everlasting pea?
Seeds and foliage contain lathyrogen toxic amino acids, principally beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), which interfere with collagen cross-linking and cause lathyrism — neurological and vascular damage with prolonged large-quantity ingestion. ASPCA records primary toxicity to horses; the related Lathyrus latifolius is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs for typical exposure levels. Prevent pets from eating seeds; classified as mildly-toxic given the shared genus profile. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to narrow-leaved everlasting pea, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate narrow-leaved everlasting pea
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move narrow-leaved everlasting pea out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of narrow-leaved everlasting pea to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to narrow-leaved everlasting pea
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea and pets — frequently asked questions
Is narrow-leaved everlasting pea toxic to cats?
Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus sylvestris) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Seeds and foliage contain lathyrogen toxic amino acids, principally beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), which interfere with collagen cross-linking and cause lathyrism — neurological and vascular damage with prolonged large-quantity ingestion. ASPCA records primary toxicity to horses; the related Lathyrus latifolius is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs for typical exposure levels. Prevent pets from eating seeds; classified as mildly-toxic given the shared genus profile. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is narrow-leaved everlasting pea toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus sylvestris) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like narrow-leaved everlasting pea is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats narrow-leaved everlasting pea?
Seeds and foliage contain lathyrogen toxic amino acids, principally beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), which interfere with collagen cross-linking and cause lathyrism — neurological and vascular damage with prolonged large-quantity ingestion. ASPCA records primary toxicity to horses; the related Lathyrus latifolius is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs for typical exposure levels. Prevent pets from eating seeds; classified as mildly-toxic given the shared genus profile. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to narrow-leaved everlasting pea, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate narrow-leaved everlasting pea?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of narrow-leaved everlasting pea to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to narrow-leaved everlasting pea?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full narrow-leaved everlasting pea care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete narrow-leaved everlasting pea care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.