What are the symptoms of Castor Bean poisoning in cats?

severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, organ failure, seizures, death

Castor Bean

Q: Is Castor Bean toxic to cats?

Dangerous: EXTREMELY DANGEROUS — ricin causes organ failure. 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. Source: ASPCA.

Dangerous

Verdict

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS — ricin causes organ failure.

Toxic principle: ricin

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-06-12

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
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

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.