Is Laburnum Toxic to Cats?

Laburnum anagyroides

Laburnum contains cytisine, an alkaloid that acts like nicotine. The seeds and pods are the most concentrated, and they dangle in long yellow chains exactly at the height a cat might investigate.

All parts of the tree are toxic, but the summer pods are the practical risk. Children are warned about them; cats are not.

Which parts are dangerous

• seeds
• pods
• leaves
• bark

What to watch for in the UK

• A common ornamental tree in British gardens and parks.
• Seed pods hang in July and August — the peak cat-risk months.
• Fallen pods collect in gutters and on patios.
• Sweep up fallen pods if you have a cat.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Emergency vet immediately.
2. Take a pod or photo if safe to collect.
3. Do not wait for symptoms.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).