The Lantana plant (Lantana camara), also known as Shrub Verbena, Yellow Sage, or Red Sage, is a popular ornamental plant commonly found in gardens and landscaping. While its vibrant, multi-colored flowers make it an attractive addition to outdoor spaces, Lantana is highly toxic to cats if ingested.
All parts of the plant, especially the unripe berries, contain a toxin called pentacyclic triterpenoids which can cause serious harm to felines.
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 your cat has ingested any part of the Lantana plant, they may exhibit the following symptoms:
In severe cases where large amounts of the plant have been consumed, liver failure and photosensitization (light sensitivity) can occur. If you suspect your cat has eaten Lantana, seek veterinary attention immediately.
If you bring your cat to the vet suspecting Lantana poisoning, here’s what they may do:
Your vet will work to stabilize your cat and provide the appropriate care based on the severity of the poisoning.
A: Yes, the Lantana Plant (Lantana camara) is highly toxic to cats. It contains triterpenoid compounds, which can cause severe poisoning when ingested by cats.
A: Symptoms of Lantana poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, it can lead to liver damage, jaundice, and labored breathing.
A: Even small amounts of the Lantana Plant can be harmful to cats due to the toxic compounds present in the leaves and berries of the plant.
A: If your cat consumes any part of the Lantana Plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention is crucial to prevent serious complications like liver failure.
A: Yes, Lantana poisoning can be fatal if left untreated. The toxins can cause long-term damage to the liver and other vital organs, making prompt veterinary care essential.
A: Yes, safer alternatives include Boston Ferns, Spider Plants, and Areca Palms, which are non-toxic and safe for cats.
Lantana, native to the Americas, was introduced globally as an ornamental in the 1600s. Its easy cultivation and vibrant flowers led to widespread popularity. By the 19th century, it had spread to over 60 countries, becoming invasive in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Today, Lantana is both praised and vilified. While valued for its beauty and use in traditional medicine, it’s also a major invasive species. It threatens biodiversity, agriculture, and livestock in many areas. Efforts to control Lantana continue, balancing its ornamental value with its ecological impact.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
