Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Bush Vetch toxic to cats?

Vicia sepium

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bush vetch 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. Vicia sepium is not individually listed in the ASPCA database. The seeds contain low levels of cyanogenic glycosides; ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Given the wider Vicia genus toxicity profile, mildly-toxic is the prudent classification.

What to do if your cat ate bush vetch

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

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

Is bush vetch toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bush vetch toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bush vetch 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. Vicia sepium is not individually listed in the ASPCA database. The seeds contain low levels of cyanogenic glycosides; ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Given the wider Vicia genus toxicity profile, mildly-toxic is the prudent classification.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bush vetch?

Vicia sepium is not individually listed in the ASPCA database. The seeds contain low levels of cyanogenic glycosides; ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Given the wider Vicia genus toxicity profile, mildly-toxic is the prudent classification. 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 bush vetch.

What should I do if my cat ate bush vetch?

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 bush vetch toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bush Vetch is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bush vetch pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bush vetch?

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 bush vetch pet-safety