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Is Feverfew toxic to cats?

Tanacetum parthenium

Toxic to cats

Yes — feverfew 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. Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. As a member of the genus Tanacetum (the chrysanthemum/Asteraceae group that the ASPCA lists as toxic), it contains sesquiterpene lactones (including parthenolide) and pyrethrin-type compounds; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, incoordination and dermatitis. The plant and its sap are also a recognised human contact allergen.

What to do if your cat ate feverfew

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

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

Is feverfew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is feverfew toxic to cats?

Yes — feverfew is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. As a member of the genus Tanacetum (the chrysanthemum/Asteraceae group that the ASPCA lists as toxic), it contains sesquiterpene lactones (including parthenolide) and pyrethrin-type compounds; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, incoordination and dermatitis. The plant and its sap are also a recognised human contact allergen.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats feverfew?

Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. As a member of the genus Tanacetum (the chrysanthemum/Asteraceae group that the ASPCA lists as toxic), it contains sesquiterpene lactones (including parthenolide) and pyrethrin-type compounds; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, incoordination and dermatitis. The plant and its sap are also a recognised human contact allergen. 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 feverfew.

What should I do if my cat ate feverfew?

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 feverfew toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to feverfew?

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 feverfew pet-safety