Is Wisteria Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Chinese Wisteria, Japanese Wisteria, Wisteria sinensis · Wisteria sinensis
What makes it toxic
Wisterin, a glycoside, plus lectins concentrated in seeds and seed pods. They severely irritate the gut and can cause dehydration and circulatory collapse in significant ingestions.
Warning signs to watch for
Repeated vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and depression within an hour or two of eating pods or seeds; severe cases show dehydration and collapse.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove plant material and call your vet — for any seed or pod ingestion, call immediately. Supportive fluids started early prevent dehydration from worsening.
Common questions
Are wisteria flowers as dangerous as the pods?
Flowers are milder, pods and seeds are the most toxic. Cats playing with the dangling pods in autumn is the classic exposure.
Is American wisteria safer than the Chinese type?
All Wisteria species contain wisterin and lectins. Native American wisteria is not considered safe either.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.