Wisteria

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Lethargy, central nervous system (CNS) damage, and physical collapse Usually progresses following the initial severe gastrointestinal distress that begins within a few h · These systemic and neurological symptoms manifest primarily when a cat ingests larger amounts of the plant, particularly the highly concentrated and deadly seeds and seed pods. If left untreated, the severe dehydration and toxicity can be fatal to cats [395, 800
2. 2
   Severe vomiting, which may contain blood Typically appears within a few hours of ingestion · This profuse vomiting is a direct reaction to the highly irritating compounds (lectins and wisterin) and rapidly leads to severe dehydration.
3. 3
   Diarrhea Typically appears within a few hours of ingestion · Combined with severe vomiting, profuse diarrhea causes massive gastrointestinal distress and life-threatening fluid loss.
4. 4
   Abdominal pain and stomach cramps Typically appears within a few hours of ingestion · Arises from the intense irritation of the mucosal lining of the digestive tract.
5. 5
   Drooling and nausea Typically appears within a few hours of ingestion · These are often the initial, outward signs of gastrointestinal irritation caused by the plant's toxic lectins and glycosides.

Important notes

Wisteria is a beautiful flowering vine, but all parts of it are very dangerous for cats to eat. The plant contains toxic compounds called wisterin and lectins, which can cause severe food poisoning-like symptoms. The toxins are most concentrated in the seeds and seed pods, making them especially hazardous. A cat that eats any part of the wisteria plant, particularly the seeds, can become seriously ill. Signs include severe vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, and intense stomach pain. This can quickly lead to dehydration and, in serious cases, collapse or nervous system problems. Due to the plant's high toxicity, even eating just a couple of seeds can be enough to cause significant illness in a cat. If you suspect your cat has chewed on or eaten any wisteria, it is an emergency. Please contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

• Toxic compounds: wisterin (glycoside) and lectin-type proteins; seeds and seed pods most concentrated; all parts toxic
• Mechanism: wisterin irritates the GI mucosa; lectins may inhibit protein synthesis at higher doses
• Symptoms: repeated and severe vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, lethargy; seed ingestion may cause more pronounced effects
• Even 2–3 seeds can cause significant symptoms in a cat
• Contact your vet if your cat ingests any part of the wisteria plant, especially seeds