Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Wisteria safe for cats?
Wisteria spp.
Wisteria is a genus of woody, climbing vines known for their cascading, fragrant flower clusters. All parts of the plant, particularly the seeds and pods, contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
WisteriaWisteria floribundaWisteria sinensisWisteria spp.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Vining climber
- Care
- High (requires regular pruning)
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Wisteria is one of the more dangerous plants on this list for a cat. ASPCA classifies it as toxic, and the seeds and pods are the worst part — they concentrate two toxins, lectin and wisterin glycoside, that can drive vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhea, and depression. Pet Poison Helpline adds that severe cases in cats can include agitation, tremors, and respiratory or cardiovascular depression, so this is not a 'wait and see' plant.
What to watch for
ASPCA-documented signs include vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, and depression. Pet Poison Helpline expands the cat-specific picture to include severe agitation, aggression, drooling, tremors, and respiratory or cardiovascular depression. Bloody vomiting, tremors, or laboured breathing are the high-severity flags.
Time window
Onset and recovery times are not well documented for cats specifically; the plant tends to produce signs within a few hours of ingestion, and severe cases can persist beyond 24 hours under veterinary supervision.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. Even a single seed or pod warrants a phone call to your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435). Don't wait for symptoms — by the time bloody vomiting, tremors, or depression appear, your cat needs urgent care.
First aid at home
Remove your cat from the plant and any remaining seeds or pods. Pet Poison Helpline is clear that there is no safe way to induce vomiting at home in cats and that hydrogen peroxide should never be given to cats. Call Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before attempting any home treatment.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and depression.
Escalation note
Ingestion of seeds or pods can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect ingestion.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Wisteria is listed as toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal irritation.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Wisteria species are woody vines that are toxic if ingested by humans or pets.
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