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Pet safety

Is Rayed Broom toxic to cats?

Genista radiata

Toxic to cats

Yes — rayed 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 radiata is a leguminous broom and, in common with other Genista and Cytisus species, is presumed to contain quinolizidine alkaloids such as cytisine and sparteine. Related broom species are documented to cause vomiting, weakness, and cardiac disturbances in dogs and cats. As this species is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, it is prudent to classify it as mildly toxic and prevent pets from consuming foliage or seed pods.

What to do if your cat ate rayed broom

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

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

Is rayed broom toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rayed broom toxic to cats?

Yes — rayed 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 radiata is a leguminous broom and, in common with other Genista and Cytisus species, is presumed to contain quinolizidine alkaloids such as cytisine and sparteine. Related broom species are documented to cause vomiting, weakness, and cardiac disturbances in dogs and cats. As this species is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, it is prudent to classify it as mildly toxic and prevent pets from consuming foliage or seed pods.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rayed broom?

The ASPCA classifies Genista as toxic to cats and dogs. Genista radiata is a leguminous broom and, in common with other Genista and Cytisus species, is presumed to contain quinolizidine alkaloids such as cytisine and sparteine. Related broom species are documented to cause vomiting, weakness, and cardiac disturbances in dogs and cats. As this species is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, it is prudent to classify it as mildly toxic and prevent pets from consuming 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 rayed broom.

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

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

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