Lantana — no rights reserved, uploaded by Dave Brown
Photo by no rights reserved, uploaded by Dave BrowniNaturalistCC0
Pet safety reference

Lantana

Lantana camara

Lantana is a flowering shrub known for its clusters of vibrant, multi-colored blooms. It contains triterpenoids that can cause significant health issues if ingested by pets.

LantanaLantana camaraSpanish FlagWest Indian Lantana
Light
Full sun
Habit
Shrubby, spreading
Care
Low to moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, and potential liver damage.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to serious systemic illness. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and potential liver failure in severe cases.

Escalation note

Lantana is considered highly toxic to dogs. If ingestion is suspected, seek immediate veterinary attention to manage potential gastrointestinal and hepatic complications.

Safer alternatives

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Lantana is toxic to cats and dogs, containing triterpenoids that cause gastrointestinal distress and potential liver damage.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Lantana camara is a perennial shrub that is toxic to humans and animals if ingested.

cats safety pageMy cat ate Lantanadogs safety pageMy dog ate Lantana

Questions about Lantana

Is lantana toxic to cats?

Yes, lantana (Lantana camara) is toxic to cats. It contains triterpenoids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, and in cases of large or repeated ingestion, potential liver damage.

What symptoms will a cat show after eating lantana?

The most common signs are vomiting and diarrhea, usually accompanied by lethargy and weakness. Labored breathing has also been reported. Liver injury is rare and generally requires either a large single ingestion or repeated exposure over time.

What should I do if my cat ate lantana?

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian explicitly instructs you to do so.

How much lantana is dangerous to a cat, and does repeated nibbling matter?

Onset timing and dose thresholds are not well documented for cats. A single small nibble is less concerning than large or repeated ingestion — the ASPCA notes that liver failure is typically linked to long-term or high-volume exposure rather than one episode. If your cat has been browsing lantana repeatedly, mention that history when you call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).

Is lantana toxic to dogs?

Yes, lantana (Lantana camara) is considered highly toxic to dogs. It contains triterpenoids that can cause gastrointestinal and liver damage, and any suspected ingestion warrants immediate veterinary attention.

What are the symptoms of lantana poisoning in dogs?

The most common signs are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and weakness. Labored breathing has also been reported. With large or repeated ingestions, liver injury can develop, which may appear as yellowing of the gums or eyes (jaundice).

What should I do if my dog ate lantana?

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to — prompt professional guidance is the priority.

How much lantana is dangerous to a dog, and does repeated exposure matter?

A single small ingestion usually causes GI signs only; liver failure is uncommon but is linked to large or repeated ingestions. If your dog has been getting into lantana more than once, treat it as urgent and call your vet right away, since cumulative exposure is when serious liver injury becomes a real risk.

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