What are the symptoms if a cat eats Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow?

Vomiting, Drooling (hypersalivation), Diarrhea, Ataxia (loss of coordination) and tremors, Seizures, Depression, deep sedation, and sometimes coma

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✕ Toxic

Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow

Q: Is Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. 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.

Brunfelsia pauciflora floribunda

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.

Important Notes

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

Potentially Toxic Parts

Bark

Leaf

Flower

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Ataxia (loss of coordination) and tremors

Neurological

Seizures

Neurological

Depression, deep sedation, and sometimes coma

Neurological

Vomiting

Gastrointestinal

Drooling (hypersalivation)

Gastrointestinal

Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.