What are the symptoms if a cat eats Wisteria?

Drooling and nausea, Severe vomiting, which may contain blood, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain and stomach cramps, Lethargy, central nervous system (CNS) damage, and physical collapse

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✕ Toxic

Wisteria

Q: Is Wisteria toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. 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.

Wisteria spp.

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.

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

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

Gastrointestinal · Typically appears within a few hours of ingestion

Drooling and nausea

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.