Sweet Pea — (c) John Brew, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John Brew
Photo by (c) John Brew, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John BrewiNaturalistCC BY
Pet safety reference

Sweet Pea

Lathyrus latifolius

The Sweet Pea is a popular flowering vine known for its fragrant, colorful blooms. While generally considered non-toxic, it is not intended for consumption and may cause mild digestive discomfort if large amounts are ingested.

Everlasting PeaLathyrus latifoliusPerennial Pea
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Habit
Vining
Care
Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Generally safe

Consulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

No specific toxicity symptoms are expected, though chewing or swallowing plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.

Escalation note

This plant is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic for this pet. Monitor for digestive upset after large ingestion and contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

No specific toxicity symptoms are expected, though chewing or swallowing plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.

Escalation note

This plant is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic for this pet. Monitor for digestive upset after large ingestion and contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus latifolius) is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Lathyrus latifolius is a perennial vine in the Fabaceae family, commonly grown for its ornamental flowers.

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Questions about Sweet Pea

Is sweet pea toxic to cats?

Sweet pea (Lathyrus latifolius) is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA, so it is not expected to cause serious harm. That said, non-toxic does not mean safe to eat — plant material is not intended for cat consumption.

What happens if my cat chews on a sweet pea plant?

No specific toxicity symptoms are expected, but chewing or swallowing sweet pea plant material may cause mild stomach upset, especially in larger amounts. Watch for vomiting, drooling, or lethargy and contact your vet if symptoms persist.

How much sweet pea would make a cat sick?

There is no documented toxic dose for sweet pea in cats. Even a non-toxic plant can cause GI upset if a cat ingests a large quantity of it — so while a small nibble is unlikely to be a concern, eating a significant amount of plant material warrants monitoring.

What should I do if my cat ate part of a sweet pea vine?

Remove access to the plant and monitor your cat for signs of digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite. Because sweet pea is classified as non-toxic for cats, a small ingestion is unlikely to require emergency treatment — but if symptoms develop or your cat ate a large amount, call your veterinarian.

Is sweet pea toxic to dogs?

Sweet pea (Lathyrus latifolius) is listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA, so it is not expected to cause serious harm. That said, non-toxic does not mean safe to eat — plant material is not intended for consumption and can still cause mild stomach upset if ingested.

What happens if my dog eats sweet pea flowers or leaves?

No specific toxicity symptoms are expected, but chewing or swallowing sweet pea plant material may cause mild digestive discomfort such as vomiting or loose stools, especially if a large amount was eaten. Symptoms, if they appear at all, should be mild and short-lived.

How much sweet pea is dangerous for a dog?

Because sweet pea is classified as non-toxic, no dangerous dose threshold is established. However, ingesting a large quantity of any plant material can cause GI upset in dogs regardless of toxicity classification, so it is worth monitoring your dog after any significant ingestion.

What should I do if my dog ate sweet pea?

Monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If symptoms are mild, watch closely and ensure access to fresh water. If symptoms persist, worsen, or your dog ate a very large amount, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

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