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Pet safety

Is Scarlet Runner Bean toxic to cats?

Phaseolus coccineus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet runner bean 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. ASPCA does not specifically list Phaseolus coccineus as toxic to pets. However, raw runner beans — especially the seeds — contain phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) lectins and trace cyanogenic glycosides that can cause GI upset in dogs and cats if consumed raw in quantity. Cooked pods are safe for human consumption. Exercise caution with pets that may chew on raw pods or dried seeds.

What to do if your cat ate scarlet runner bean

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

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

Is scarlet runner bean toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is scarlet runner bean toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet runner bean 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. ASPCA does not specifically list Phaseolus coccineus as toxic to pets. However, raw runner beans — especially the seeds — contain phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) lectins and trace cyanogenic glycosides that can cause GI upset in dogs and cats if consumed raw in quantity. Cooked pods are safe for human consumption. Exercise caution with pets that may chew on raw pods or dried seeds.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats scarlet runner bean?

ASPCA does not specifically list Phaseolus coccineus as toxic to pets. However, raw runner beans — especially the seeds — contain phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) lectins and trace cyanogenic glycosides that can cause GI upset in dogs and cats if consumed raw in quantity. Cooked pods are safe for human consumption. Exercise caution with pets that may chew on raw pods or dried seeds. 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 scarlet runner bean.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to scarlet runner 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 scarlet runner bean pet-safety