Is Wisteria sinensis 'Alba' toxic to cats?

Yes — wisteria sinensis 'alba' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a Wisteria sinensis cultivar, it carries the genus's ASPCA-listed toxicity to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are lectin and wisterin glycoside, most concentrated in the seeds and pods; ingestion causes vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhoea and depression, and a few seeds can cause serious illness. Keep seed pods out of reach of pets and children.

As a Wisteria sinensis cultivar, it carries the genus's ASPCA-listed toxicity to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are lectin and wisterin glycoside, most concentrated in the seeds and pods; ingestion causes vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhoea and depression, and a few seeds can cause serious illness. Keep seed pods out of reach of 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 wisteria sinensis 'alba'.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wisteria sinensis 'Alba' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full wisteria sinensis 'alba' pet-safety guide for both species.

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.