Home » Cat Plants » The Dangers of the Kiss Me Quick Plant to Cats
The Kiss Me Quick plant, also known as Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, Lady-of-the-Night, Morning-Noon-and-Night, and Franciscan Rain Tree, is a highly toxic plant to cats.
This ornamental shrub, scientifically named Brunfelsia species, belongs to the Solanaceae family and can be commonly found in lightly wooded areas, thickets, and as a decorative plant around homes.
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 Kiss Me Quick plant, it can experience severe symptoms due to the presence of the toxic compound brunfelsamidine. The onset of symptoms is usually rapid, occurring within 30 minutes to 4 hours after ingestion.Common symptoms of Kiss Me Quick poisoning in cats include:
If you suspect your cat has ingested the Kiss Me Quick plant, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention. Your veterinarian will likely follow these steps to diagnose and treat your cat:
A: Yes, the Kiss Me Quick Plant (Portulaca pilosa), also known as Pink Purslane, is mildly toxic to cats. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
A: Symptoms of Kiss Me Quick poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. In some cases, cats may also experience lethargy or loss of appetite.
A: Ingesting even small amounts of the Kiss Me Quick Plant can lead to mild digestive issues in cats. Although it’s not highly toxic, it can still cause discomfort.
A: If your cat consumes any part of the Kiss Me Quick Plant and shows symptoms, contact your veterinarian for advice. In most cases, supportive care will help resolve the symptoms.
A: Kiss Me Quick poisoning is rarely fatal, but it can cause significant discomfort for your cat. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening.
A: Yes, safer alternatives include Catnip, Spider Plants, and Boston Ferns, which are non-toxic and safe for cats.
Kiss-me-quick (Portulaca pilosa), native to tropical America, spread globally through colonial trade. Named for its rush-like leaves and quick-closing flowers, it gained popularity as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Its ability to thrive in poor soil made it a favorite in gardens worldwide.
Today, Kiss-me-quick remains valued for its vibrant pink blooms and low-maintenance nature. It’s used in traditional medicine for diuretic and analgesic properties. As a hardy ground cover, it helps prevent soil erosion. Its legacy continues as both a beloved garden plant and a subject of scientific study.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.