Pet safety
Is Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl'toxic to cats & dogs?
Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl'
Is achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. 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.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats achillea ptarmica 'the pearl'?
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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to achillea ptarmica 'the pearl', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate achillea ptarmica 'the pearl'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to achillea ptarmica 'the pearl'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' toxic to cats?
Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' (Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. 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. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' (Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats achillea ptarmica 'the pearl'?
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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to achillea ptarmica 'the pearl', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate achillea ptarmica 'the pearl'?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to achillea ptarmica 'the pearl'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete achillea ptarmica 'the pearl' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.