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Is Spanish Gorse toxic to cats?

Genista hispanica

Toxic to cats

Yes — spanish gorse 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 hispanica contains quinolizidine alkaloids (including cytisine and sparteine) common to the legume/broom family. PFAF records 'none known' specific hazards for this species, but related broom genera cause vomiting, weakness, and cardiac irregularities in dogs and cats when significant amounts are consumed. The spiny stems deter casual browsing but seed pods should be considered a risk. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from ingesting plant material.

What to do if your cat ate spanish gorse

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

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

Is spanish gorse toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spanish gorse toxic to cats?

Yes — spanish gorse 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 hispanica contains quinolizidine alkaloids (including cytisine and sparteine) common to the legume/broom family. PFAF records 'none known' specific hazards for this species, but related broom genera cause vomiting, weakness, and cardiac irregularities in dogs and cats when significant amounts are consumed. The spiny stems deter casual browsing but seed pods should be considered a risk. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from ingesting plant material.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spanish gorse?

The ASPCA classifies Genista as toxic to cats and dogs. Genista hispanica contains quinolizidine alkaloids (including cytisine and sparteine) common to the legume/broom family. PFAF records 'none known' specific hazards for this species, but related broom genera cause vomiting, weakness, and cardiac irregularities in dogs and cats when significant amounts are consumed. The spiny stems deter casual browsing but seed pods should be considered a risk. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from ingesting plant material. 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 spanish gorse.

What should I do if my cat ate spanish gorse?

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 spanish gorse toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Spanish Gorse is toxic to dogs as well. See the full spanish gorse pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to spanish gorse?

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 spanish gorse pet-safety