What are the symptoms if a cat eats Coleus?

Vomiting and diarrhea, occasionally with blood, Loss of appetite and lethargy (depression), Skin, lip and gum irritation with drooling

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✕ Toxic

Coleus

Q: Is Coleus toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) is a popular ornamental plant grown for its brightly coloured, patterned leaves. It is toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Coleus as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; its entry uses the related Coleus amboinicus (Indian Borage), but the ornamental coleus belongs to the same genus and contains the same kind of irritant compounds. The toxic principles are essential oils and diterpenes (including forskolin) found in the sap of the leaves and stems. Cats lack the liver enzymes needed to break down these oils, so even grooming sap off their fur can expose them. Chewing or eating the plant causes vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy, and occasionally the vomit or stool contains blood. Sap on the skin, lips or gums can cause redness, irritation and drooling. If your cat has chewed coleus, remove any plant material from the mouth, wipe sap off the fur and offer water. Contact your veterinarian if there is any blood in the vomit or stool, if vomiting or diarrhea continues for more than a few hours, or if your cat becomes weak or stops eating.

Coleus scutellarioides (syn. Plectranthus scutellarioides)

Also known as: Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle, Plectranthus, Coleus amboinicus, Indian Borage, Cuban Oregano

Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) is a popular ornamental plant grown for its brightly coloured, patterned leaves. It is toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Coleus as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; its entry uses the related Coleus amboinicus (Indian Borage), but the ornamental coleus belongs to the same genus and contains the same kind of irritant compounds. The toxic principles are essential oils and diterpenes (including forskolin) found in the sap of the leaves and stems. Cats lack the liver enzymes needed to break down these oils, so even grooming sap off their fur can expose them. Chewing or eating the plant causes vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy, and occasionally the vomit or stool contains blood. Sap on the skin, lips or gums can cause redness, irritation and drooling. If your cat has chewed coleus, remove any plant material from the mouth, wipe sap off the fur and offer water. Contact your veterinarian if there is any blood in the vomit or stool, if vomiting or diarrhea continues for more than a few hours, or if your cat becomes weak or stops eating.

Important Notes

Main hazard: Essential oils and diterpenes in the sap of the leaves and stems; cats cannot metabolise these oils well.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy, occasionally with blood in the vomit or stool; sap causes skin, lip and gum irritation.

Why cats get exposed: The colourful, soft leaves are tempting to chew, and sap left on the fur is swallowed during grooming.

Action: Remove plant material from the mouth, wipe sap off the coat, offer water, and call a vet promptly if there is blood in the vomit or stool or signs persist.

Potentially Toxic Parts

Entire Plant

Leaf

Stem

Sap

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Vomiting and diarrhea, occasionally with blood

Gastrointestinal · Within a few hours of ingestion

Loss of appetite and lethargy (depression)

Gastrointestinal · Within hours of ingestion

Skin, lip and gum irritation with drooling

Dermal · Shortly after contact with sap

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.