Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Tongue of Fire Bean toxic to cats?

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Tongue of Fire'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tongue of fire bean 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other Phaseolus vulgaris, raw shell beans, dried seeds and foliage contain lectins (phytohaemagglutinin) that can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs if eaten uncooked. Cooked beans are far less concerning. Treat raw plant material with caution and verify with a vet on ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate tongue of fire bean

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move tongue of fire bean 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 tongue of fire bean to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is tongue of fire bean toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tongue of fire bean toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tongue of fire bean 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other Phaseolus vulgaris, raw shell beans, dried seeds and foliage contain lectins (phytohaemagglutinin) that can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs if eaten uncooked. Cooked beans are far less concerning. Treat raw plant material with caution and verify with a vet on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tongue of fire bean?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other Phaseolus vulgaris, raw shell beans, dried seeds and foliage contain lectins (phytohaemagglutinin) that can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs if eaten uncooked. Cooked beans are far less concerning. Treat raw plant material with caution and verify with a vet on ingestion. 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 tongue of fire bean.

What should I do if my cat ate tongue of fire bean?

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 tongue of fire bean toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Tongue of Fire Bean is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full tongue of fire bean pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to tongue of fire bean?

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 tongue of fire bean pet-safety