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Is Fava Bean toxic to cats?

Vicia faba

Toxic to cats

Yes — fava 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 individually listed on the ASPCA database, but it is a notable hazard: the beans contain vicine and convicine, which cause favism, a serious haemolytic (red-blood-cell-destroying) reaction in people and animals with G6PD deficiency, and the raw beans are otherwise hard to digest. Given this haemolytic risk, treat as toxic and keep beans, pods and plant parts away from pets; verify with a vet on any ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate fava bean

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

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

Is fava bean toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fava bean toxic to cats?

Yes — fava 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 individually listed on the ASPCA database, but it is a notable hazard: the beans contain vicine and convicine, which cause favism, a serious haemolytic (red-blood-cell-destroying) reaction in people and animals with G6PD deficiency, and the raw beans are otherwise hard to digest. Given this haemolytic risk, treat as toxic and keep beans, pods and plant parts away from pets; verify with a vet on any ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fava bean?

Vicia faba is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but it is a notable hazard: the beans contain vicine and convicine, which cause favism, a serious haemolytic (red-blood-cell-destroying) reaction in people and animals with G6PD deficiency, and the raw beans are otherwise hard to digest. Given this haemolytic risk, treat as toxic and keep beans, pods and plant parts away from pets; verify with a vet on any ingestion. 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 fava bean.

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

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

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