Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
cat safety reference
Is Lantana safe for cats?
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
What this means for your cat
Cats should not chew lantana — its pentacyclic triterpenoids cause GI upset and, in theory, can affect the liver. ASPCA notes liver failure is far more common in livestock than in cats; for a household cat the practical risk is vomiting, diarrhea and weakness.
What to watch for
Most-common: vomiting and diarrhea, often with lethargy and weakness. Labored breathing has been reported. Liver injury is rare in cats and would generally require either a large or repeated ingestion.
Time window
Onset and duration are not well documented for cats. ASPCA notes liver failure is rare and typically tied to long-term or large-volume ingestion rather than a single nibble.
When to call the vet
Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for any vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, or labored breathing after exposure. If your cat has been browsing lantana repeatedly over time, mention that — repeated exposure is the scenario where liver injury becomes a concern.
First aid at home
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to.
Sources: ASPCA.
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.
Cats — concern 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.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Lantana camara is a perennial shrub that is toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
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).
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