§ Toxic plants · Euphorbiaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is castor bean toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include mouth irritation, drinking more than usual, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, seizures, loss of appetite, weakness, tremors, wobbliness or poor coordination, trouble breathing, dullness or depression, fever, coma, bloody diarrhea, sluggish, unresponsive behavior, bloating and shock. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Euphorbiaceae plants toxic to pets
Castor bean belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about castor bean and pets
Is castor bean toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists castor bean as toxic to cats.
Is castor bean toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists castor bean as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats castor bean?
Signs include mouth irritation, drinking more than usual, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, seizures, loss of appetite, weakness, tremors, wobbliness or poor coordination, trouble breathing, dullness or depression, fever, coma, bloody diarrhea, sluggish, unresponsive behavior, bloating and shock. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.