Is Castor Bean Toxic to Pets?
Yes — castor bean is toxic to cats. Yes — castor bean is toxic to dogs. Yes — castor bean is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Ricinus communis
- Toxic compound
- Ricin
- Toxic parts
- Seeds (most toxic)
- Also known as
- castor oil plant, ricinus
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate castor bean
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate castor bean
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate castor bean
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Castor beans contain ricin. Chewed seeds can cause severe bloody vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration and death.
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Pet-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is castor bean toxic to cats?
Yes — castor bean is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is castor bean toxic to dogs?
Yes — castor bean is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is castor bean toxic to horses?
Yes — castor bean is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of castor bean are toxic?
Seeds (most toxic).
What makes castor bean toxic?
Ricin.