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Is Valentine's Crown Vetch toxic to cats?

Coronilla valentina

Toxic to cats

Yes — valentine's crown vetch 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. Coronilla species contain cyanogenic glycosides (coronillin) throughout the plant. Ingestion by dogs or cats can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, weakness, and potentially more severe cardiovascular effects in larger amounts. The plant is not listed as pet-safe by ASPCA; treat as toxic and keep pets away from all plant parts.

What to do if your cat ate valentine's crown vetch

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

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

Is valentine's crown vetch toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is valentine's crown vetch toxic to cats?

Yes — valentine's crown vetch is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Coronilla species contain cyanogenic glycosides (coronillin) throughout the plant. Ingestion by dogs or cats can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, weakness, and potentially more severe cardiovascular effects in larger amounts. The plant is not listed as pet-safe by ASPCA; treat as toxic and keep pets away from all plant parts.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats valentine's crown vetch?

Coronilla species contain cyanogenic glycosides (coronillin) throughout the plant. Ingestion by dogs or cats can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, weakness, and potentially more severe cardiovascular effects in larger amounts. The plant is not listed as pet-safe by ASPCA; treat as toxic and keep pets away from all plant parts. 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 valentine's crown vetch.

What should I do if my cat ate valentine's crown vetch?

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 valentine's crown vetch toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Valentine's Crown Vetch is toxic to dogs as well. See the full valentine's crown vetch pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to valentine's crown vetch?

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 valentine's crown vetch pet-safety