PawAI LabPawAI LabTry it Free

Is Angel's Trumpet Toxic to Cats? What to Do

PawAI Lab
4 min read

Learn whether angel's trumpet poses a toxicity risk to cats, what signs may appear after exposure, and what immediate steps to take if your cat may have been exposed.

Quick Answer

Yes, angel's trumpet is toxic to cats. Plants include jimsonweed, angel's trumpet, and glory lily. All parts are toxic. These are extremely dangerous if ingested. If your cat may have been exposed, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service right away, even if no signs are visible yet.

Before using any tool, contact a veterinary professional if your cat may have been exposed.

  • US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
  • UK: Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) or your nearest veterinary emergency clinic
  • Canada: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
  • AU: Animal Emergency Centre or your regular vet
  • EU: Contact your nearest veterinary emergency service

TOXICITY CHECKER

Check whether a substance may be harmful to your pet and get prioritized safety steps.

Check Toxicity

This tool provides general safety information and does not replace veterinary advice in an emergency.

Safety Verdict

Toxic. These plants contain potent alkaloids that affect the nervous system and cellular function. Tropane alkaloids block acetylcholine receptors causing anticholinergic effects. Colchicine disrupts cell division by binding to tubulin.

Plants include jimsonweed, angel's trumpet, and glory lily. All parts are toxic. These are extremely dangerous if ingested.

What It Is

Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) contains tropane alkaloids including scopolamine and hyoscyamine. All parts are toxic, and ingestion can cause severe neurological effects.

Why It May Be Harmful

The toxic principle in angel's trumpet is tropane alkaloids or colchicine. These plants contain potent alkaloids that affect the nervous system and cellular function. Tropane alkaloids block acetylcholine receptors causing anticholinergic effects. Colchicine disrupts cell division by binding to tubulin.

Signs of toxicity may include:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Vomiting (may be bloody)
  • Diarrhea
  • Disorientation
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Collapse

Timeline: Signs typically develop within 1 to 24 hours.

Can be life-threatening. Severe toxicity can cause multi-organ failure.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats It

  1. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately.
  2. Remove any remaining substance from your cat's reach.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian.
  4. Do not give food, milk, charcoal, or home remedies.
  5. Bring the substance, plant, or packaging for identification.

Information to have ready when you call:

  • Your cat's age, approximate weight, and any health conditions
  • The name or type of angel's trumpet and the estimated amount consumed
  • When the exposure likely occurred
  • Any current symptoms your cat is showing
  • The product packaging or a photo of the plant if applicable

Any ingestion should be treated as an emergency. Do not wait for signs.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately if your cat may have been exposed to angel's trumpet. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

Emergency signs that require urgent veterinary attention:

  • Seizures
  • High body temperature
  • Rapid or irregular heart rate
  • Severe disorientation
  • Bloody vomiting or diarrhea

Non-urgent follow-up: Any ingestion should be treated as an emergency. Do not wait for signs.

FAQ

What plants contain these dangerous alkaloids?

Jimsonweed (Datura), angel's trumpet (Brugmansia), and glory lily (Gloriosa) all contain potent alkaloids. All parts are toxic.

How dangerous are these plants?

They can be life-threatening. Severe toxicity can cause seizures, hyperthermia, cardiac arrhythmias, and multi-organ failure.

Can this type of poisoning be treated?

Treatment may include decontamination, IV fluids, anti-seizure medication, and supportive care. There is no specific antidote for colchicine.

TOXICITY CHECKER

Concerned about another plant, food, medication, or household item around your cat? Get general, species-aware safety information to help you decide your next step.

Try Toxicity Checker

This tool provides general safety information and does not replace veterinary advice.

Sources

Disclaimer

This article and the PawAI Toxicity Checker tool provide general safety information and do not replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If your cat may have ingested a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian, emergency clinic, or animal poison control immediately.

Written by PawAI Lab