Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Mexican Tarragon toxic to cats?

Tagetes lucida

Toxic to cats

Yes — mexican tarragon 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 classifies marigolds (Tagetes species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is the plant's essential oils, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and contact dermatitis. As a Tagetes species, Mexican tarragon falls under this genus stance.

What to do if your cat ate mexican tarragon

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

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

Is mexican tarragon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mexican tarragon toxic to cats?

Yes — mexican tarragon is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA classifies marigolds (Tagetes species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is the plant's essential oils, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and contact dermatitis. As a Tagetes species, Mexican tarragon falls under this genus stance.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mexican tarragon?

ASPCA classifies marigolds (Tagetes species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is the plant's essential oils, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and contact dermatitis. As a Tagetes species, Mexican tarragon falls under this genus stance. 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 mexican tarragon.

What should I do if my cat ate mexican tarragon?

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 mexican tarragon toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to mexican tarragon?

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 mexican tarragon pet-safety