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How the Morning Noon and Night Plant is a Hazard for Cats? 

Illustration of Morning Noon and Night plants in a gothic architectural style with green leaves and multicolored flowers.

The Morning Noon and Night plant, also known as Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow, Kiss-Me-Quick, and Fransiscan Rain Tree, is a flowering shrub that can be highly toxic to cats if ingested. This plant, scientifically known as Brunfelsia species, is commonly found as an ornamental plant in gardens and homes.

While not causing an allergic reaction, the Morning Noon and Night plant contains brunfelsamidine, a toxic principle that can lead to severe symptoms in cats.

How Toxic is the Morning-Noon-and-Night Plant?

(Level 4-5) - Highly to Extremely Toxic

If you notice poisoning symptoms, it's critical to seek immediate veterinary care or call the APCC 24-Hour Emergency Poison Hotline.

  • Level 1 - Minimally Toxic

    Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.

  • Level 2 - Mildly Toxic

    Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.

  • Level 3 - Moderately Toxic

    Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.

  • Level 4 - Highly Toxic

    Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.

  • Level 5 - Extremely Toxic

    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.

Warning signs your cat may exhibit

If a cat ingests any part of the Morning Noon and Night plant, they may experience a range of concerning symptoms. These symptoms can appear within a few hours of ingestion and may last for several days.Common symptoms of Morning Noon and Night plant toxicity in cats include:

  • Tremors
  • Seizures (which may persist for several days)
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Hypersalivation (excessive drooling)
  • Lethargy
  • Incoordination (difficulty walking or moving)
  • Coughing

If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately.

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Potential diagnosis your Vet may give

When you bring your cat to the veterinarian with suspected Morning Noon and Night plant toxicity, they will follow a step-by-step process to diagnose and treat your feline friend.

  1. History Taking: The vet will ask about your cat’s recent activities, potential exposure to toxic plants, and the onset and progression of symptoms.
  2. Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam will be performed to assess your cat’s overall health and check for any visible signs of toxicity.
  3. Laboratory Tests: Blood work, urinalysis, and other diagnostic tests may be conducted to evaluate organ function and identify any abnormalities.
  4. Toxicology Testing: In some cases, the vet may perform specific tests to detect the presence of brunfelsamidine or other toxic compounds in your cat’s system.
  5. Diagnosis: Based on the history, clinical signs, and test results, the veterinarian will determine if your cat is suffering from Morning Noon and Night plant toxicity.
  6. Treatment Plan: The vet will develop a treatment plan tailored to your cat’s specific needs, which may include decontamination, supportive care, and medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
An illustrative banner depicting an anthropomorphic cat in a vet's office, alongside a call-to-action message that reads: 'If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance,' accompanied by a prominent button stating 'Find A Vet Near Me!
An illustrative banner depicting an anthropomorphic cat in a vet's office, alongside a call-to-action message that reads: 'If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance,' accompanied by a prominent button stating 'Find A Vet Near Me!

Morning-Noon-and-Night Cat Safety and the Toxic Morning-Noon-and-Night Plant: FAQs

Q: Is the Morning Noon and Night Plant toxic to cats?

A: Yes, the Morning Noon and Night Plant (Brunfelsia), also known as Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow Plant, is highly toxic to cats. It contains compounds like brunfelsamidine and scopoletin, which are harmful when ingested.

Q: What symptoms might a cat display after ingesting the Morning Noon and Night Plant?

A: Symptoms of Morning Noon and Night Plant poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, muscle tremors, and in severe cases, paralysis or death.

Q: How much of the Morning Noon and Night Plant is harmful to cats?

A: Even small amounts of the Morning Noon and Night Plant can be highly toxic to cats due to the powerful compounds it contains. The entire plant is dangerous, including the flowers, leaves, and berries.

Q: What should I do if my cat eats the Morning Noon and Night Plant?

A: If your cat consumes any part of the Morning Noon and Night Plant, contact a veterinarian immediately. Emergency treatment may be necessary to manage the severe neurological and gastrointestinal effects.

Q: Can Morning Noon and Night Plant poisoning be fatal to cats?

A: Yes, if not treated promptly, Morning Noon and Night Plant poisoning can be fatal due to its effects on the nervous system and muscles. Early intervention is critical to prevent severe outcomes.

Q: Are there safer plant alternatives to the Morning Noon and Night Plant for households with cats?

A: Yes, some safer alternatives include Spider Plants, Boston Fern, and Polka Dot Plant, which are non-toxic and safe for cats.

Uncovering the Past of the Morning-Noon-and-Night Plant

The Morning-Noon-and-Night plant, scientifically known as Brunfelsia pauciflora, originates from Brazil. Named for its color-changing flowers, it was first described botanically in the 19th century. European explorers introduced it to cultivation, spreading its popularity as an ornamental shrub.
Today, this plant remains prized for its unique blooms that transition from purple to lavender to white over three days. While beautiful, it’s known to be toxic, especially to pets. Its journey from Brazilian forests to global gardens showcases human fascination with plants that offer both beauty and intrigue.

Further reading and sources

Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.

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