Pet emergency
My cat ate Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' — what to do
Step by step
- Take achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' — FAQ
Is achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' (Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl') as toxic to cats. The Achillea genus is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (yarrow, Achillea millefolium), with glycoalkaloids (achillein), monoterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones (achillin) as the toxic principles. As a member of the same genus, A. ptarmica 'The Pearl' should be treated as toxic; signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, anorexia, dermatitis and depression.
How serious is it if my cat ate achillea ptarmica 'the pearl'?
Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The Achillea genus is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (yarrow, Achillea millefolium), with glycoalkaloids (achillein), monoterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones (achillin) as the toxic principles. As a member of the same genus, A. ptarmica 'The Pearl' should be treated as toxic; signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, anorexia, dermatitis and depression. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide