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Is African marigold toxic to cats?

Tagetes erecta

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists african marigold as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Tagetes species as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. The foliage and sap contain thiophene derivatives and can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) and contact dermatitis. Not considered life-threatening in typical exposure amounts.

What to do if your cat ate african marigold

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move african marigold out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of african marigold to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten african marigold, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is african marigold toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is african marigold toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists african marigold as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. The ASPCA lists Tagetes species as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. The foliage and sap contain thiophene derivatives and can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) and contact dermatitis. Not considered life-threatening in typical exposure amounts.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats african marigold?

The ASPCA lists Tagetes species as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. The foliage and sap contain thiophene derivatives and can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) and contact dermatitis. Not considered life-threatening in typical exposure amounts. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to african marigold.

What should I do if my cat ate african marigold?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is african marigold toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: African marigold is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full african marigold pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to african marigold?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full african marigold pet-safety