§ Toxic plants · Lamiaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is Indian borage toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Indian borage (Coleus amboinicus) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Moderate, level 2 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, dullness or depression, loss of appetite and bloody diarrhea. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Lamiaceae plants toxic to pets
Indian borage belongs to the Lamiaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about Indian borage and pets
Is Indian borage toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists Indian borage as toxic to cats.
Is Indian borage toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists Indian borage as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats Indian borage?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, dullness or depression, loss of appetite and bloody diarrhea. Plant Smart rates it Moderate, level 2 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.