Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Broad Bean toxic to cats?

Vicia faba 'Aquadulce Claudia'

Toxic to cats

Yes — broad bean 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. Vicia faba is not listed as safe by the ASPCA; broad beans contain vicine and convicine, the compounds behind favism, and raw legumes are unsuitable for pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting and digestive upset, so keep beans away from cats and dogs and consult a vet if eaten.

What to do if your cat ate broad bean

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

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

Is broad bean toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is broad bean toxic to cats?

Yes — broad bean is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Vicia faba is not listed as safe by the ASPCA; broad beans contain vicine and convicine, the compounds behind favism, and raw legumes are unsuitable for pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting and digestive upset, so keep beans away from cats and dogs and consult a vet if eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats broad bean?

Vicia faba is not listed as safe by the ASPCA; broad beans contain vicine and convicine, the compounds behind favism, and raw legumes are unsuitable for pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting and digestive upset, so keep beans away from cats and dogs and consult a vet if eaten. 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 broad bean.

What should I do if my cat ate broad 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 broad bean toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to broad 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 broad bean pet-safety