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Is Sweet Pea 'Spencer' toxic to cats?

Lathyrus odoratus 'Spencer'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sweet pea 'spencer' 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. As a Lathyrus odoratus cultivar, it is not covered by the ASPCA 'Sweet Pea' non-toxic listing (which applies to L. latifolius). The seeds and pods contain a lathyrogen (aminopropionitrile) and can cause toxicity if eaten; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Keep the developing seed pods away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate sweet pea 'spencer'

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

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

Is sweet pea 'spencer' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sweet pea 'spencer' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sweet pea 'spencer' 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. As a Lathyrus odoratus cultivar, it is not covered by the ASPCA 'Sweet Pea' non-toxic listing (which applies to L. latifolius). The seeds and pods contain a lathyrogen (aminopropionitrile) and can cause toxicity if eaten; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Keep the developing seed pods away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sweet pea 'spencer'?

As a Lathyrus odoratus cultivar, it is not covered by the ASPCA 'Sweet Pea' non-toxic listing (which applies to L. latifolius). The seeds and pods contain a lathyrogen (aminopropionitrile) and can cause toxicity if eaten; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Keep the developing seed pods away from pets and children. 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 sweet pea 'spencer'.

What should I do if my cat ate sweet pea 'spencer'?

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 sweet pea 'spencer' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sweet Pea 'Spencer' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full sweet pea 'spencer' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to sweet pea 'spencer'?

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 sweet pea 'spencer' pet-safety