Allamanda

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Dehydration Secondary effect, developing after sustained fluid loss from diarrhea. · Veterinary treatment may involve fluid therapy to correct this.
2. 2
   Abdominal discomfort (pain) This is a direct result of the compound plumericin acting as an irritant to the lining of the digestive tract.
3. 3
   Diarrhea This is the primary sign of the plant's purgative (cathartic) effects.
4. 4
   Electrolyte imbalance Secondary effect, following fluid loss. · This occurs as a consequence of losing essential minerals through diarrhea and dehydration.

Important notes

Allamanda belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is a popular tropical ornamental shrub, loved for its bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, but every part of the plant — leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and its milky white sap — is toxic to cats. The plant contains iridoid compounds (including allamandin) that act as powerful cathartics and severe gastrointestinal irritants. The milky sap poses an additional hazard as a direct irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

• Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), abdominal pain, and drooling from ingestion; redness, swelling, and pain if sap contacts the skin or eyes.
• All parts toxic: Flowers, leaves, stems, seeds, and sap all contain toxic compounds.
• Action: Seek immediate veterinary care if a cat ingests any part of the plant or shows signs of distress.