Lenten rose poisoning in cats is rare as the plant is unappetizing, having a burning effect due to the toxin protoanemonin, which irritates skin and mucous membranes at the time of ingestion. This usually prevents a cat from consuming a large quantity of the plant. This toxin is found in all parts of the plant and serves to protect the plant from consumption, the toxin is released when the plant is eaten, causing immediate discomfort in the mouth and esophagus and resulting in rash and blistering of the oral cavity.
Additional toxins present in the plant including bufadienolide, glycosides, and veratrin cause further gastrointestinal, cardiac, and respiratory symptoms.
As this plant is commonly kept as an ornamental plant in gardens, your cat may have access to ingest this toxic plant. If not dissuaded by the oral discomfort, cats may ingest sufficient quantities to produce severe toxicity symptoms.