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Is Meadow Vetchling toxic to cats?

Lathyrus pratensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists meadow vetchling 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. Seeds and green plant parts contain toxic amino acids (lathyrogens) characteristic of the Lathyrus genus, which can cause lathyrism — neurological and musculoskeletal damage — particularly in horses consuming large quantities. ASPCA lists Lathyrus latifolius as non-toxic to cats and dogs, with toxicity only recorded for horses. Small accidental ingestion by pets is unlikely to cause serious harm, but seed ingestion in quantity should be avoided; classified as mildly-toxic out of caution for the genus.

What to do if your cat ate meadow vetchling

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

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

Is meadow vetchling toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is meadow vetchling toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists meadow vetchling 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. Seeds and green plant parts contain toxic amino acids (lathyrogens) characteristic of the Lathyrus genus, which can cause lathyrism — neurological and musculoskeletal damage — particularly in horses consuming large quantities. ASPCA lists Lathyrus latifolius as non-toxic to cats and dogs, with toxicity only recorded for horses. Small accidental ingestion by pets is unlikely to cause serious harm, but seed ingestion in quantity should be avoided; classified as mildly-toxic out of caution for the genus.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats meadow vetchling?

Seeds and green plant parts contain toxic amino acids (lathyrogens) characteristic of the Lathyrus genus, which can cause lathyrism — neurological and musculoskeletal damage — particularly in horses consuming large quantities. ASPCA lists Lathyrus latifolius as non-toxic to cats and dogs, with toxicity only recorded for horses. Small accidental ingestion by pets is unlikely to cause serious harm, but seed ingestion in quantity should be avoided; classified as mildly-toxic out of caution for the genus. 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 meadow vetchling.

What should I do if my cat ate meadow vetchling?

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 meadow vetchling toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Meadow Vetchling is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full meadow vetchling pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to meadow vetchling?

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 meadow vetchling pet-safety