Wisteria is toxic to both cats and dogs. Wisteria is a lovely but extremely invasive vine that will take center stage and envelop the other plants and herbs in the yard, eventually taking over the entire garden. Wisteria seeds and pods contain toxic lectins that are particularly hazardous to cats. The lectins enter the circulation and cause red blood cells to coagulate. Wisteria vine also includes the poisonous glycoside wisterin, which is harmful to cats.
Even wilted wisteria leaves are deadly to dogs and cats. The poisonous glycoside wisterin found in the leaves produces gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pains, nausea, vomiting (oftentimes with blood), diarrhea, and even depression.
What Is Wisteria?
Wisteria is a flowering plant genus in the Fabaceae family that comprises ten species of woody twining vines native to Asia, sections of North America, and northern Iran. There are around nine species of wisteria in East Asia and North America. W. is well-known throughout North America. floribunda (Japanese wisteria) and W. floribunda floribunda floribunda floribunda floribunda floribunda Because of their number of blossoms, clusters of huge flowers, variety of floral hues, and scent, Sinensis (Chinese wisteria) is significantly more popular than other varieties.
Wisteria grows by twining its stems around any accessible support. W. When viewed from above, floribunda (Japanese wisteria) twines clockwise, whereas W. Sinensis (Chinese wisteria) twines in a counterclockwise direction. This is useful for distinguishing the two most frequent species of wisteria. They may grow up to 20 meters (66 ft) above ground and spread out 10 meters (33 ft) laterally.
Wisteria blossoms, particularly Wisteria varieties, are fragrant. W. brachybotrys floribunda, as well as W. sinensis, which are known for their sweet and musky fragrances. Some Asian wisteria species bloom in the spring (just before or as the leaves emerge), whereas American species bloom from mid to late summer.
Clinical Signs of Wisteria Poisoning in Cats
Severe wisteria poisoning in dogs and cats causes severe dehydration to the point of collapse, as well as a severe depression of the central nervous system.
Wisteria poisoning may be lethal, so seek quick veterinarian attention for your cat. Symptoms that your cat may feel after eating a part of wisteria are:
- Oral irritation
- Stomach pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting (sometimes bloody)
- Diarrhea
- CNS depression
First Aid and Treatment of Wisteria Poisoning in Cats
Symptomatic treatment will be provided by the veterinarian. The treatment process will most likely involve vomit induction, administering activated charcoal, performing gastric lavage, and fluid therapy.
Medications may also be prescribed accordingly based on your cat’s condition. The vet will continue monitoring your cat’s condition and prevent developing severe symptoms and other complications.
Recovery from Wisteria Poisoning in Cats
Cats who received prompt veterinary assistance will most likely recover. Recovery time may vary depending on the cat’s general wellness prior to poisoning. It is vital to get immediate treatment since wisteria poisoning can be lethal if the symptoms were left untreated.
Prevention of Wisteria Poisoning in Cats
If wisteria is known to thrive in your area, keeping your cats indoors is the best way to keep them safe. You can keep your cats confined and occupied while you are gone by using cat homes, cages, and playpens.
If you love plants but have cats at home, check out these lists:
