The prayer bean (Abrus precatorius), also known as the rosary pea or jequirity bean, is a vine native to India and other tropical regions of Asia. While this plant is not an allergen, it is highly toxic to cats if ingested. All parts of the prayer bean plant contain abrin, a potent toxin. Cats may encounter this poisonous plant in gardens or as an ornamental houseplant.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If a cat ingests any part of the prayer bean plant, especially the seeds, they may experience severe symptoms of toxicity. Signs that your cat has been poisoned by prayer bean include:
Ingesting even a small amount of abrin can lead to liver failure, kidney failure, and death within a few days.
If you suspect your cat has ingested prayer bean, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Your vet will likely:
A: Yes, Prayer Bean, also known as rosary pea, is highly toxic to cats. It contains abrin, a potent toxin that can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and even death if ingested.
A: If a cat ingests Prayer Bean, it may experience severe symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, and difficulty breathing. Immediate veterinary care is crucial to prevent fatal outcomes.
A: Yes, all parts of the Prayer Bean plant are toxic to cats, especially the seeds. When the seed coat is broken, it releases the deadly toxin abrin.
A: Even a small amount of Prayer Bean can be harmful to cats. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the seeds, can result in severe poisoning.
A: Yes, Prayer Bean poisoning can be fatal in cats if not treated promptly. The plant’s toxin, abrin, can cause life-threatening complications without immediate intervention.
A: If your cat ingests Prayer Bean, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Early intervention is essential to minimize the toxic effects and increase your cat’s chances of recovery.
The prayer bean is so named because its seeds are often used to make rosaries and other decorative items. The plant has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, but is also known as a poison used in animal poaching.
Historically, the toxin abrin was researched as a potential biological weapon. Today, the plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental but should be kept away from pets and children.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
