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Pet safety

Is Corn Marigold toxic to cats?

Glebionis segetum

Toxic to cats

Yes — corn marigold 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. The ASPCA lists Chrysanthemum species (which includes the synonymous Chrysanthemum segetum) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles include sesquiterpene lactones, pyrethrins, and other irritant compounds. Clinical signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Contact with the foliage can also cause allergic skin reactions.

What to do if your cat ate corn marigold

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

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

Is corn marigold toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is corn marigold toxic to cats?

Yes — corn marigold is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Chrysanthemum species (which includes the synonymous Chrysanthemum segetum) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles include sesquiterpene lactones, pyrethrins, and other irritant compounds. Clinical signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Contact with the foliage can also cause allergic skin reactions.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats corn marigold?

The ASPCA lists Chrysanthemum species (which includes the synonymous Chrysanthemum segetum) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles include sesquiterpene lactones, pyrethrins, and other irritant compounds. Clinical signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Contact with the foliage can also cause allergic skin reactions. 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 corn marigold.

What should I do if my cat ate corn 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 corn marigold toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to corn 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 corn marigold pet-safety