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Is Common Broom toxic to cats?

Cytisus scoparius

Toxic to cats

Yes — common 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. Cytisus scoparius contains quinolizidine alkaloids including sparteine and cytisine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Pet Poison Helpline classifies Scotch broom as toxic; symptoms include vomiting, weakness, incoordination, and cardiovascular effects. All parts of the plant should be considered hazardous.

What to do if your cat ate common broom

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

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

Is common broom toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common broom toxic to cats?

Yes — common broom is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cytisus scoparius contains quinolizidine alkaloids including sparteine and cytisine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Pet Poison Helpline classifies Scotch broom as toxic; symptoms include vomiting, weakness, incoordination, and cardiovascular effects. All parts of the plant should be considered hazardous.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common broom?

Cytisus scoparius contains quinolizidine alkaloids including sparteine and cytisine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Pet Poison Helpline classifies Scotch broom as toxic; symptoms include vomiting, weakness, incoordination, and cardiovascular effects. All parts of the plant should be considered hazardous. 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 common broom.

What should I do if my cat ate common 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 common broom toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common 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 common broom pet-safety