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Is Rattlesnake Pole Bean toxic to cats?

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Rattlesnake'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rattlesnake pole 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. Raw pods, dried seeds and foliage of Phaseolus vulgaris contain lectins (phytohaemagglutinin) that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets if eaten uncooked; thoroughly cooked beans are far less of a concern. Treat raw plant material with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests it.

What to do if your cat ate rattlesnake pole bean

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

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

Is rattlesnake pole bean toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rattlesnake pole bean toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rattlesnake pole 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. Raw pods, dried seeds and foliage of Phaseolus vulgaris contain lectins (phytohaemagglutinin) that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets if eaten uncooked; thoroughly cooked beans are far less of a concern. Treat raw plant material with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rattlesnake pole bean?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA. Raw pods, dried seeds and foliage of Phaseolus vulgaris contain lectins (phytohaemagglutinin) that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets if eaten uncooked; thoroughly cooked beans are far less of a concern. Treat raw plant material with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests it. 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 rattlesnake pole bean.

What should I do if my cat ate rattlesnake pole 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 rattlesnake pole bean toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Rattlesnake Pole Bean is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full rattlesnake pole bean pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to rattlesnake pole 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 rattlesnake pole bean pet-safety