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Jimson Weed
Datura stramonium
Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium), also called Thorn Apple or Devil's Trumpet, is an extremely toxic plant for cats. Every part — leaves, seeds, flowers, and stems — contains potent tropane alkaloids: atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These anticholinergic compounds block the parasympathetic nervous system, causing life-threatening systemic effects even from small exposures.
Important Notes
Toxic compounds: tropane alkaloids — atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine; all parts toxic; spiky seed pods most concentrated
Mechanism: competitive antagonism of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, causing full anticholinergic syndrome (dry, fast, hot, blind, mad)
Symptoms: dilated pupils (mydriasis), dry mouth, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), elevated body temperature, disorientation, agitation, hallucination-like behaviour, seizures, coma
The seed pods are the most concentrated source and can persist on the ground for months
Any suspected ingestion is a veterinary emergency — tropane alkaloid poisoning can be rapidly fatal
Potentially Toxic Parts
Entire Plant
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Twitching and Convulsions
Neurological · Not explicitly specified in the provided sources.
Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea)
Respiratory · Not explicitly specified in the provided sources.
Dilated Pupils (Mydriasis)
Neurological · Not explicitly specified in the provided sources.
Rapid Pulse (Tachycardia)
Cardiac · Not explicitly specified in the provided sources.
Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal · Not explicitly specified in the provided sources.
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.