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Is Lydian Broom toxic to cats?

Genista lydia

Toxic to cats

Yes — lydian 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. The ASPCA classifies Genista as toxic to cats and dogs. Genista lydia, like most leguminous broom species, contains quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine and sparteine. These compounds are not listed individually on the ASPCA database for this species, but related Cytisus/Genista brooms are documented to cause vomiting, abdominal discomfort, weakness, and cardiac effects in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic and keep pets from ingesting foliage or seed pods.

What to do if your cat ate lydian broom

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

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

Is lydian broom toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lydian broom toxic to cats?

Yes — lydian broom is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA classifies Genista as toxic to cats and dogs. Genista lydia, like most leguminous broom species, contains quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine and sparteine. These compounds are not listed individually on the ASPCA database for this species, but related Cytisus/Genista brooms are documented to cause vomiting, abdominal discomfort, weakness, and cardiac effects in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic and keep pets from ingesting foliage or seed pods.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lydian broom?

The ASPCA classifies Genista as toxic to cats and dogs. Genista lydia, like most leguminous broom species, contains quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine and sparteine. These compounds are not listed individually on the ASPCA database for this species, but related Cytisus/Genista brooms are documented to cause vomiting, abdominal discomfort, weakness, and cardiac effects in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic and keep pets from ingesting foliage or seed pods. 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 lydian broom.

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

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

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