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Is 'Borlotto' Bean toxic to cats?

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Borlotto Lingua di Fuoco'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 'borlotto' bean as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so genus status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like all Phaseolus vulgaris beans, the raw, dried seeds contain high levels of lectins (phytohaemagglutinin) and must be cooked thoroughly before eating; raw or undercooked beans cause vomiting and gastrointestinal distress in pets and people. Keep dried beans out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate 'borlotto' bean

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move 'borlotto' bean 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 'borlotto' bean to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is 'borlotto' bean toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is 'borlotto' bean toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 'borlotto' bean as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so genus status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like all Phaseolus vulgaris beans, the raw, dried seeds contain high levels of lectins (phytohaemagglutinin) and must be cooked thoroughly before eating; raw or undercooked beans cause vomiting and gastrointestinal distress in pets and people. Keep dried beans out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats 'borlotto' bean?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so genus status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like all Phaseolus vulgaris beans, the raw, dried seeds contain high levels of lectins (phytohaemagglutinin) and must be cooked thoroughly before eating; raw or undercooked beans cause vomiting and gastrointestinal distress in pets and people. Keep dried beans out of reach of pets. 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 'borlotto' bean.

What should I do if my cat ate 'borlotto' bean?

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 'borlotto' bean toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: 'Borlotto' Bean is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full 'borlotto' bean pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to 'borlotto' bean?

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 'borlotto' bean pet-safety