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The Harm Prayer Bean Plant Can Cause to Cats

Gothic-style artistic depiction of a Prayer Bean plant (Abrus precatorius) with intricate detailing.

The prayer bean (Abrus precatorius), also known as the rosary pea or jequirity bean, is a vine native to India and other tropical regions of Asia. While this plant is not an allergen, it is highly toxic to cats if ingested. All parts of the prayer bean plant contain abrin, a potent toxin. Cats may encounter this poisonous plant in gardens or as an ornamental houseplant.

Prayer Bean’s Toxicity Level

(Level 5) - Extremely Toxic

Veterinary assistance is needed right away if your cat is showing symptoms of poisoning, or you can call the APCC 24-Hour Emergency Poison Hotline.

  • Level 1 - Minimally Toxic

    Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.

  • Level 2 - Mildly Toxic

    Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.

  • Level 3 - Moderately Toxic

    Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.

  • Level 4 - Highly Toxic

    Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.

  • Level 5 - Extremely Toxic

    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.

Observable symptoms your cat could have

If a cat ingests any part of the prayer bean plant, especially the seeds, they may experience severe symptoms of toxicity. Signs that your cat has been poisoned by prayer bean include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Weakness and lethargy
  • Seizures
  • Collapse

Ingesting even a small amount of abrin can lead to liver failurekidney failure, and death within a few days.

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Potential diagnosis your Vet may give

If you suspect your cat has ingested prayer bean, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Your vet will likely:

  1. Perform a physical exam and ask about any plants your cat may have access to
  2. Run blood tests to assess organ function
  3. Provide supportive care such as IV fluids and medications to control symptoms
  4. Administer activated charcoal to bind any remaining toxin in the digestive tract
  5. Monitor your cat closely and provide ongoing care
An illustrative banner depicting an anthropomorphic cat in a vet's office, alongside a call-to-action message that reads: 'If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance,' accompanied by a prominent button stating 'Find A Vet Near Me!
An illustrative banner depicting an anthropomorphic cat in a vet's office, alongside a call-to-action message that reads: 'If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance,' accompanied by a prominent button stating 'Find A Vet Near Me!

Toxic Plants and Cats: What You Need to Know about the Prayer Bean Plant

Q: Is Prayer Bean toxic to cats?

A: Yes, Prayer Bean, also known as rosary pea, is highly toxic to cats. It contains abrin, a potent toxin that can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and even death if ingested.

Q: What happens if a cat eats Prayer Bean?

A: If a cat ingests Prayer Bean, it may experience severe symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, and difficulty breathing. Immediate veterinary care is crucial to prevent fatal outcomes.

Q: Are all parts of the Prayer Bean plant toxic to cats?

A: Yes, all parts of the Prayer Bean plant are toxic to cats, especially the seeds. When the seed coat is broken, it releases the deadly toxin abrin.

Q: How much Prayer Bean is harmful to cats?

A: Even a small amount of Prayer Bean can be harmful to cats. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the seeds, can result in severe poisoning.

Q: Can Prayer Bean poisoning in cats be fatal?

A: Yes, Prayer Bean poisoning can be fatal in cats if not treated promptly. The plant’s toxin, abrin, can cause life-threatening complications without immediate intervention.

Q: What should I do if my cat ingests Prayer Bean?

A: If your cat ingests Prayer Bean, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Early intervention is essential to minimize the toxic effects and increase your cat’s chances of recovery.

The Legacy of the Prayer Bean Plant

The prayer bean is so named because its seeds are often used to make rosaries and other decorative items. The plant has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, but is also known as a poison used in animal poaching.

Historically, the toxin abrin was researched as a potential biological weapon. Today, the plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental but should be kept away from pets and children.

Further reading and sources

Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.

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