Pet safety
Is Chrysanthemum toxic to cats?
Chrysanthemum × morifolium
Yes — chrysanthemum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (listed under 'Chrysanthemum' and 'Mum'). The toxic principles are sesquiterpene lactones and pyrethrins; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Cats are especially sensitive to pyrethrins.
What to do if your cat ate chrysanthemum
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move chrysanthemum 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 chrysanthemum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten chrysanthemum, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is chrysanthemum toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is chrysanthemum toxic to cats?
Yes — chrysanthemum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (listed under 'Chrysanthemum' and 'Mum'). The toxic principles are sesquiterpene lactones and pyrethrins; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Cats are especially sensitive to pyrethrins.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats chrysanthemum?
ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (listed under 'Chrysanthemum' and 'Mum'). The toxic principles are sesquiterpene lactones and pyrethrins; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Cats are especially sensitive to pyrethrins. 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 chrysanthemum.
What should I do if my cat ate chrysanthemum?
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 chrysanthemum toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chrysanthemum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full chrysanthemum pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to chrysanthemum?
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 chrysanthemum pet-safety
- Is chrysanthemum toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is chrysanthemum toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate chrysanthemum — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete chrysanthemum care guide