Wisteria
Wisteria spp. · Fabaceae
How it looks
Wisteria is a legume-family vine bearing purple, pale-purple, or white butterfly-shaped flowers in long drooping clusters of about 8-20 in (20-50 cm). It is strongly scented, with feather-shaped compound leaves. The stems grow very thick and twine over arbors and fences.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Wisteria (especially the seeds and pods) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Wisteria rarely leads to serious trouble, but its wisterin (a glycoside) and lectins can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Wisteria spp.
- Common name
- Wisteria
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the seeds, Pods)
- Compounds
- Wisterin, Glycosides), Lectins
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Fabaceae
Related guides
Top 10 Flowers Dangerous to Cats — The Ones You See at Florists
Ten flowers you'll commonly find at florists and grocery stores that are toxic to cats. Check before you receive them, and before you bring them home.
Got a Bouquet? What to Do If You Have a Cat
A bouquet is a lovely surprise — but if you live with a cat, there are a few things to take care of right away. From checking what's in the arrangement to choosing the right vase, here's what actually helps, in order.
Why Cats Chew Plants, and How to Stop It
A cat chewing and tearing at plants isn't just mischief — there's an instinct behind it. Once you understand why, the ways to stop it follow naturally.