Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Ataxia (loss of coordination) and tremors These symptoms highlight the severe neurological disruption caused by the plant's toxic compounds.
2. 2
   Seizures Brunfelsamidine produces tonic-clonic seizures; ASPCA reports seizures that may persist for several days.
3. 3
   Depression, deep sedation, and sometimes coma Poisoning can lead to a profound comatose state requiring respiratory support and intensive supportive treatment. Toxicosis is severe and potentially fatal; deaths have been reported in animals.
4. 4
   Vomiting Vomiting is one of the gastrointestinal signs documented after ingestion of Brunfelsia by cats.
5. 5
   Drooling (hypersalivation) Excessive salivation is documented in Brunfelsia poisoning by ASPCA and veterinary toxicology sources.
6. 6
   Diarrhea Diarrhea is listed by ASPCA among the gastrointestinal signs of Brunfelsia ingestion.

Important notes

Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow (Brunfelsia pauciflora) is a flowering shrub known for its blossoms that change color from purple to white over several days. All parts of this plant are toxic to cats and can cause serious neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested. The plant contains several toxic compounds, including brunfelsamidine, which affects the central nervous system. Ingestion can lead to a dangerous combination of effects, often starting with stimulation (agitation, tremors) and progressing to depression (lethargy, and in severe cases, coma). Signs of poisoning include vomiting, drooling, muscle tremors, loss of coordination, and seizures. The alternating periods of agitation and sedation are a characteristic sign. Because the neurological symptoms can escalate quickly, any suspected ingestion should be treated as a medical emergency. Please contact a veterinarian immediately if you think your cat has chewed on this plant.

• Toxic compounds: brunfelsamidine (a stimulant) and hopeanine (a depressant); all parts of the plant are toxic
• Mechanism: brunfelsamidine acts on the central nervous system in a strychnine-like manner, interfering with inhibitory neurotransmission and producing excitation, while hopeanine produces depression
• Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures; characteristically produces a syndrome that alternates agitation with sedation
• Frequently used as a decorative garden shrub in tropical regions — keep cats away from the garden
• Seek veterinary care promptly if ingestion is suspected; the neurological syndrome can escalate rapidly