The Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius), also known as Perennial Pea or Sweet Pea, is a climbing flowering plant commonly found in gardens, roadsides, and woodland edges. While this plant is not known to cause allergic reactions, it is highly toxic to cats when ingested.
All parts of the Everlasting Pea contain the toxin aminopropionitrile, which can lead to serious health issues and even death in felines.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If a cat ingests any part of the Everlasting Pea plant, they may experience a range of symptoms due to the toxic effects of aminopropionitrile. These symptoms can manifest immediately or over time, depending on the amount consumed. Common signs of Everlasting Pea poisoning in cats include:
If you suspect your cat has ingested Everlasting Pea, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian will likely follow these steps to diagnose Everlasting Pea poisoning:
A: Yes, cats can be allergic to Everlasting Pea. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, sneezing, and skin irritation.
A: Yes, Everlasting Pea, also known as Lathyrus latifolius, is toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of this plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
A: Symptoms of Everlasting Pea poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and abdominal pain. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if ingestion is suspected.
A: To prevent contact, ensure that Everlasting Pea is not present in your home or garden. Keep your cat indoors or monitor outdoor activities closely to avoid exposure.
A: If your cat ingests Everlasting Pea, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
A: Yes, Everlasting Pea is commonly found in gardens and as an ornamental plant. It is important to ensure this plant is kept out of reach of cats to prevent accidental ingestion.
The Everlasting Pea is native to Europe and has been cultivated as an ornamental plant since the 17th century. It was introduced to North America and other parts of the world as a garden plant, valued for its attractive, long-lasting flowers. The plant has since naturalized in many areas, growing in disturbed soils along roadsides, woodland edges, and fields.
Despite its beauty, the toxicity of Everlasting Pea to animals has been recognized for centuries. In the past, the plant was associated with a condition called lathyrism in horses and other livestock, causing paralysis and skeletal deformities when consumed in large quantities over time.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
