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Is Ashy Broom toxic to cats?

Genista cinerea

Toxic to cats

Yes — ashy broom is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Genista species contain quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine, the same toxic principle found in Laburnum. Ingestion by dogs or cats can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, weakness, incoordination, and in larger doses cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Keep pets away from plant material and seed pods.

What to do if your cat ate ashy broom

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move ashy broom out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of ashy broom to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten ashy broom, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is ashy broom toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ashy broom toxic to cats?

Yes — ashy broom is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Genista species contain quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine, the same toxic principle found in Laburnum. Ingestion by dogs or cats can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, weakness, incoordination, and in larger doses cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Keep pets away from plant material and seed pods.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ashy broom?

Genista species contain quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine, the same toxic principle found in Laburnum. Ingestion by dogs or cats can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, weakness, incoordination, and in larger doses cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Keep pets away from plant material and seed pods. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to ashy broom.

What should I do if my cat ate ashy broom?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is ashy broom toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ashy Broom is toxic to dogs as well. See the full ashy broom pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to ashy broom?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full ashy broom pet-safety