Plant safety for cats
Is Indian borage toxic to cats?
ModerateListed toxic to cats by ASPCA
Yes — ASPCA lists Indian borage as toxic to cats: its essential oils cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low mood and loss of appetite, occasionally with blood in the vomit or stool.
Why moderate: Essential oils — mostly a stomach upset, occasionally with blood.
- Name
- Indian boragealso East Indian thyme, Coleus amboinicus
- Botanical name
- Coleus amboinicus (syn. Plectranthus amboinicus) · Lamiaceae
Toxic parts
Treat every part as toxic — ASPCA lists the plant without naming a safer part.
What's in it
Essential oils.
How to recognise it
- Thick, fuzzy, strongly aromatic leaves with scalloped edges
- Fleshy stems
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting, diarrhoea — occasionally bloody
- Low mood
- Not eating
What to do
Call your vet today. Blood in the vomit or stool means go the same day.
- Take the plant away, note how much is missing and take a photo of it.
- Don't make your cat vomit at home unless a vet tells you to.
- No milk, oil, salt water or home remedies.
Where Indian cats meet it
A pot herb in Indian kitchen gardens.
Sources
Facts last checked
General information for cat parents, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. The facts come from ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, International Cat Care, the Merck Veterinary Manual and the other sources listed on every page — and we say so when the evidence comes from dogs or people. If your cat may have eaten something harmful, call your vet.
