Indian borage, also known asĀ Mexican mint,Ā Spanish thyme, andĀ country borage, is a semi-succulent perennial plant in the mint family. Unfortunately, Indian borage is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
The plant contains essential oils that can cause serious health issues if ingested by cats. Indian borage is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and indoors in pots.
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 Indian borage, watch for these signs ofĀ toxicity:
If you suspect your cat has ingested Indian borage, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your vet will likely perform the following to diagnose Indian borage poisoning:
Treatment may includeĀ intravenous fluid therapyĀ to combat dehydration from vomiting,Ā anti-vomiting medication, andĀ nutritional support. In severe cases, hospitalization for up to 48 hours may be necessary.
A: Indian borage, also known as Coleus amboinicus, is toxic to cats. Ingesting it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues in felines.
A: While Indian borage is generally safe for humans when used in moderation, it contains compounds that can be toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Always keep this plant out of reach of animals to avoid any health risks.
A: Borage can be harmful to pets, particularly cats and dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and even liver damage. It’s crucial to prevent pets from consuming any part of this plant to ensure their safety.
A: The lily is considered the most toxic plant to cats, as all parts of the plant can cause severe kidney failure if ingested. Always avoid having lilies in homes with cats to prevent accidental poisoning.
A: While borage is not commonly known to cause allergic reactions in cats, it can still lead to gastrointestinal upset if ingested. It’s best to keep borage and other potentially harmful plants away from your pets.
A: If your cat ingests Indian borage, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early treatment can help mitigate any adverse effects and ensure your cat’s health and safety.
Indian borage is native to parts ofĀ Africa, theĀ Arabian Peninsula, andĀ India. It has been widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world for use as aĀ spiceĀ andĀ ornamental plant.
The plant gets the name “Indian borage” from Ambon Island in Indonesia, where it was first described by botanist JoĆ£o de Loureiro in the late 18th century.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
