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Is French marigold toxic to cats?

Tagetes patula

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists french 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. Compounds in the foliage and sap, including thiophenes, can cause mild vomiting, diarrhoea, and contact dermatitis. Not life-threatening, but contact with crushed foliage should be avoided by sensitive individuals.

What to do if your cat ate french marigold

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

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

Is french marigold toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is french marigold toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists french 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. Compounds in the foliage and sap, including thiophenes, can cause mild vomiting, diarrhoea, and contact dermatitis. Not life-threatening, but contact with crushed foliage should be avoided by sensitive individuals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats french marigold?

The ASPCA lists Tagetes species as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Compounds in the foliage and sap, including thiophenes, can cause mild vomiting, diarrhoea, and contact dermatitis. Not life-threatening, but contact with crushed foliage should be avoided by sensitive individuals. 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 french marigold.

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

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

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