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Is Common Gorse toxic to cats?

Ulex europaeus

Toxic to cats

Yes — common gorse 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. Gorse seeds and foliage contain quinolizidine alkaloids, principally cytisine, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock. Symptoms of ingestion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, and in severe cases neurological signs. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate common gorse

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

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

Is common gorse toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common gorse toxic to cats?

Yes — common gorse is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Gorse seeds and foliage contain quinolizidine alkaloids, principally cytisine, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock. Symptoms of ingestion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, and in severe cases neurological signs. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common gorse?

Gorse seeds and foliage contain quinolizidine alkaloids, principally cytisine, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock. Symptoms of ingestion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, and in severe cases neurological signs. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 gorse.

What should I do if my cat ate common gorse?

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 gorse toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common gorse?

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 gorse pet-safety