The primary toxin in sweet peas is aminopropionitrile, which inhibits the body’s capacity to mend muscles and connective tissues by reducing collagen formation. The plant is toxic in every way. Because the sweet pea produces gastrointestinal disturbance, your cat is unlikely to ingest considerable amounts of it.
What Is Sweet Pea?
Sweet peas are an annual flower that may be found in cutting gardens, border gardens, woodlands, and twining on trellises and arches. The flowers now come in a wide variety of hues, ranging from pearly white to ice cream pastels to ritzy magentas and inky purples.
Their delicate winged flowers are only matched by the scent of honey and orange blossom. Their popularity is due to the combination of a pleasant aroma and the capacity to produce a large number of flowers for the house over a lengthy period of cutting.
Scientifically known as lathyrus odoratus, sweet pea is indigenous to Southern Italy and belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. It’s usually trained on trellises or fences, but it may also be planted in pots and flow over the edges. They are gorgeous spring and early summer flowers that make wonderful cut flowers.
Clinical Signs of Sweet Pea Poisoning in Cats
Sweet pea poisoning in cats usually causes instant symptoms. Sweet pea poisoning mostly affects the nervous system, and symptoms may or may not occur right after eating. It’s critical to be aware of the following signs and symptoms:
First Aid and Treatment of Sweet Pea Poisoning in Cats
Sweet pea poisoning is frequently treated with supportive intravenous fluid and nutritional therapy in mild instances. To eliminate the toxin from your cat’s gastrointestinal tract, your veterinarian may induce vomiting. Activated charcoal can also help your cat’s stomach absorb the poison. If your cat is vomiting frequently, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-vomiting or anti-nausea medicine. To treat seizures and other symptoms, various drugs may be recommended.
Recovery from Sweet Pea Poisoning in Cats
The severity of the poisoning and how soon it was treated can affect recovery and prognosis. Most cats recover from minor plant poisoning in a few hours. The prognosis for severe poisoning is uncertain.
Prevention of Sweet Pea Poisoning in Cats
If your cat was poisoned by sweet pea while outside, you should limit your cat’s outside activity to minimize further poisonings. Remove the sweet pea as soon as possible if you bought or cultivated it as a home or garden plant. Research first before buying any plants to be sure they don’t contain any potentially dangerous compounds for your cat.
If you love plants but have cats at home, check out these lists:
