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Is Yardlong Bean toxic to cats?

Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists yardlong 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, so genus status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), the mature dried seeds contain lectins and antinutrients and should be cooked before eating; raw beans can cause digestive upset in pets. Young cooked pods are the usual edible form. Keep dried seed away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate yardlong bean

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

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

Is yardlong bean toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is yardlong bean toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists yardlong 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, so genus status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), the mature dried seeds contain lectins and antinutrients and should be cooked before eating; raw beans can cause digestive upset in pets. Young cooked pods are the usual edible form. Keep dried seed away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats yardlong bean?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so genus status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), the mature dried seeds contain lectins and antinutrients and should be cooked before eating; raw beans can cause digestive upset in pets. Young cooked pods are the usual edible form. Keep dried seed away from pets. 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 yardlong bean.

What should I do if my cat ate yardlong 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 yardlong bean toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to yardlong 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 yardlong bean pet-safety