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Is Spencer Mixed sweet pea toxic to cats?

Lathyrus odoratus 'Spencer Mixed'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spencer mixed sweet pea 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. The ASPCA lists sweet pea (Lathyrus) as toxic to horses; for dogs and cats the primary concern relates to the toxic aminopropionitrile in seeds and pods. Seeds and unripe pods contain lathyrogenic compounds that in large quantities cause lathyrism (neurological weakness, paralysis). The flowers are not considered significantly hazardous but the seeds and pods must never be consumed. Wear gloves when handling and keep seed packets away from children and pets. RHS also advises against eating pods or seeds.

What to do if your cat ate spencer mixed sweet pea

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

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

Is spencer mixed sweet pea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spencer mixed sweet pea toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spencer mixed sweet pea 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. The ASPCA lists sweet pea (Lathyrus) as toxic to horses; for dogs and cats the primary concern relates to the toxic aminopropionitrile in seeds and pods. Seeds and unripe pods contain lathyrogenic compounds that in large quantities cause lathyrism (neurological weakness, paralysis). The flowers are not considered significantly hazardous but the seeds and pods must never be consumed. Wear gloves when handling and keep seed packets away from children and pets. RHS also advises against eating pods or seeds.

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

The ASPCA lists sweet pea (Lathyrus) as toxic to horses; for dogs and cats the primary concern relates to the toxic aminopropionitrile in seeds and pods. Seeds and unripe pods contain lathyrogenic compounds that in large quantities cause lathyrism (neurological weakness, paralysis). The flowers are not considered significantly hazardous but the seeds and pods must never be consumed. Wear gloves when handling and keep seed packets away from children and pets. RHS also advises against eating pods or seeds. 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 spencer mixed sweet pea.

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

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 spencer mixed sweet pea toxic to dogs too?

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

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

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 spencer mixed sweet pea pet-safety