Pet safety
Is Greek yarrow toxic to cats?
Achillea taygetea
Mildly. The ASPCA lists greek yarrow 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. Achillea taygetea shares the genus toxicity profile — sesquiterpene lactones and achilleine can cause contact dermatitis and mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets and people. ASPCA lists Achillea millefolium as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; apply the same precaution to this species. The aromatic foliage is typically unpalatable to livestock.
What to do if your cat ate greek yarrow
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move greek yarrow 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 greek yarrow to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten greek yarrow, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is greek yarrow toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is greek yarrow toxic to cats?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists greek yarrow 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. Achillea taygetea shares the genus toxicity profile — sesquiterpene lactones and achilleine can cause contact dermatitis and mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets and people. ASPCA lists Achillea millefolium as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; apply the same precaution to this species. The aromatic foliage is typically unpalatable to livestock.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats greek yarrow?
Achillea taygetea shares the genus toxicity profile — sesquiterpene lactones and achilleine can cause contact dermatitis and mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets and people. ASPCA lists Achillea millefolium as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; apply the same precaution to this species. The aromatic foliage is typically unpalatable to livestock. 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 greek yarrow.
What should I do if my cat ate greek yarrow?
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 greek yarrow toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Greek yarrow is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full greek yarrow pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to greek yarrow?
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 greek yarrow pet-safety
- Is greek yarrow toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is greek yarrow toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate greek yarrow — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete greek yarrow care guide