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
cat safety reference

Is Sweet Pea safe for cats?

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

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.

What this means for your cat

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus latifolius) is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to cats, even though the same plant is toxic to horses. The toxic principle (aminopropionitrile) targets equines, not cats.

Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance; non-toxic listing).

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.

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.

Cats & dogs pagedogs page

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.

Same cat verdict

Related plants for cats