Pet safety
Is Silky Lupine toxic to cats?
Lupinus sericeus
Yes — silky lupine 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. Lupinus sericeus is highly toxic, especially to livestock (sheep, cattle, horses), and is listed as toxic by ASPCA under the Lupinus genus. Quinolizidine alkaloids — including anagyrine — are responsible. Seed pods carry the greatest concentration. Companion animals should be kept away from seeds and pods. Symptoms include muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, and liver injury.
What to do if your cat ate silky lupine
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move silky lupine out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of silky lupine to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten silky lupine, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is silky lupine toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is silky lupine toxic to cats?
Yes — silky lupine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Lupinus sericeus is highly toxic, especially to livestock (sheep, cattle, horses), and is listed as toxic by ASPCA under the Lupinus genus. Quinolizidine alkaloids — including anagyrine — are responsible. Seed pods carry the greatest concentration. Companion animals should be kept away from seeds and pods. Symptoms include muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, and liver injury.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats silky lupine?
Lupinus sericeus is highly toxic, especially to livestock (sheep, cattle, horses), and is listed as toxic by ASPCA under the Lupinus genus. Quinolizidine alkaloids — including anagyrine — are responsible. Seed pods carry the greatest concentration. Companion animals should be kept away from seeds and pods. Symptoms include muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, and liver injury. 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 silky lupine.
What should I do if my cat ate silky lupine?
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 silky lupine toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Silky Lupine is toxic to dogs as well. See the full silky lupine pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to silky lupine?
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 silky lupine pet-safety
- Is silky lupine toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is silky lupine toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate silky lupine — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete silky lupine care guide