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Is Chamomile toxic to cats?

Matricaria chamomilla

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chamomile 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. ASPCA lists chamomile (Anthemis nobilis and related) as toxic to cats and dogs in quantity, with allergic dermatitis and GI upset reported. Tea-bag amounts are very low risk; garden bingeing is not.

What to do if your cat ate chamomile

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move chamomile 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 chamomile to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is chamomile toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chamomile toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chamomile 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. ASPCA lists chamomile (Anthemis nobilis and related) as toxic to cats and dogs in quantity, with allergic dermatitis and GI upset reported. Tea-bag amounts are very low risk; garden bingeing is not.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chamomile?

ASPCA lists chamomile (Anthemis nobilis and related) as toxic to cats and dogs in quantity, with allergic dermatitis and GI upset reported. Tea-bag amounts are very low risk; garden bingeing is not. 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 chamomile.

What should I do if my cat ate chamomile?

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 chamomile toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to chamomile?

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 chamomile pet-safety