🌿 Castor Bean
Verdict
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS — ricin causes organ failure.
If your cat ate this
Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.
- 1. Call your veterinarian immediately
- 2. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- 3. Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (consultation fee applies)
A consultation fee may apply for poison control hotlines.
Verdict
Castor beans (Ricinus communis) contain ricin, one of the most potent natural toxins known. Ingestion of even a few chewed beans can cause severe organ failure and death. Castor oil is safe (ricin is removed in processing), but the raw beans are extremely dangerous. Castor plants are grown as ornamentals in some regions.
Symptoms to watch for
- • severe vomiting
- • bloody diarrhea
- • dehydration
- • organ failure
- • seizures
- • death
What to do
VETERINARY EMERGENCY. Contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. Keep cats away from castor bean plants entirely.
📞 US ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Related Plants
🌿 Lily
DangerousEXTREMELY DANGEROUS — the #1 plant poison for cats. Even pollen is lethal.
🌿 Sago Palm
DangerousEXTREMELY DANGEROUS — liver failure, often fatal.
🌿 Oleander
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🌿 Tulip
ToxicToxic — bulbs are most dangerous, causes GI upset.