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Is Horseshoe Vetch toxic to cats?

Hippocrepis comosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists horseshoe 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. Hippocrepis comosa is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs. As the toxicological status for companion animals is unconfirmed, a mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution. Contact a veterinarian if a pet ingests this plant.

What to do if your cat ate horseshoe vetch

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

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

Is horseshoe vetch toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is horseshoe vetch toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists horseshoe 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. Hippocrepis comosa is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs. As the toxicological status for companion animals is unconfirmed, a mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution. Contact a veterinarian if a pet ingests this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats horseshoe vetch?

Hippocrepis comosa is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database for cats or dogs. As the toxicological status for companion animals is unconfirmed, a mildly-toxic classification is applied as a precaution. Contact a veterinarian if a pet ingests this plant. 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 horseshoe vetch.

What should I do if my cat ate horseshoe 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 horseshoe vetch toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to horseshoe 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 horseshoe vetch pet-safety