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Pet safety

Is Lupine toxic to cats?

Lupinus polyphyllus

Toxic to cats

Yes — lupine 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. ASPCA lists Lupinus species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to quinolizidine alkaloids. Seeds are most toxic; causes vomiting, salivation, tremors, and rare seizures.

What to do if your cat ate lupine

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

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

Is lupine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lupine toxic to cats?

Yes — lupine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Lupinus species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to quinolizidine alkaloids. Seeds are most toxic; causes vomiting, salivation, tremors, and rare seizures.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lupine?

ASPCA lists Lupinus species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to quinolizidine alkaloids. Seeds are most toxic; causes vomiting, salivation, tremors, and rare seizures. 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 lupine.

What should I do if my cat ate lupine?

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 lupine toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lupine?

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 lupine pet-safety