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Wisteria
Wisteria spp.
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) is a climbing ornamental vine toxic to cats throughout all its parts, with seeds and seed pods carrying the highest toxin concentration. It contains wisterin (a glycoside) and lectin-type proteins that cause significant gastrointestinal distress.
Important Notes
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
Potentially Toxic Parts
Stem
Bark
Seed
Leaf
Flower
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Lethargy, central nervous system (CNS) damage, and physical collapse [395, 770, 849, Conversation History
Neurological · Usually progresses following the initial severe gastrointestinal distress that begins within a few h
Severe vomiting, which may contain blood
Gastrointestinal · Typically appears within a few hours of ingestion
Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal · Typically appears within a few hours of ingestion
Abdominal pain and stomach cramps [770, 800, 849, Conversation History
Gastrointestinal · Typically appears within a few hours of ingestion
Drooling and nausea [770, 849, Conversation History
Gastrointestinal · Typically appears within a few hours of ingestion
Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.