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Is Sweet pea toxic to cats?

Lathyrus odoratus

Toxic to cats

Yes — sweet pea 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. ASPCA lists Lathyrus odoratus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Seeds contain BAPN (β-aminopropionitrile) which causes lathyrism — weakness, paralysis, and seizures. Never confuse with edible peas.

What to do if your cat ate sweet pea

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

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

Is sweet pea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sweet pea toxic to cats?

Yes — sweet pea is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Lathyrus odoratus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Seeds contain BAPN (β-aminopropionitrile) which causes lathyrism — weakness, paralysis, and seizures. Never confuse with edible peas.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sweet pea?

ASPCA lists Lathyrus odoratus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Seeds contain BAPN (β-aminopropionitrile) which causes lathyrism — weakness, paralysis, and seizures. Never confuse with edible peas. 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.

What should I do if my cat ate 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 sweet pea toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to 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 sweet pea pet-safety