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Is Roman Chamomile toxic to cats?

Chamaemelum nobile

Toxic to cats

Yes — roman chamomile 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-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Roman Chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile). Toxic principles include volatile oil, bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid, and tannic acid. Signs include contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia, and allergic reactions; chronic exposure may cause bleeding tendencies.

What to do if your cat ate roman chamomile

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

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

Is roman chamomile toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is roman chamomile toxic to cats?

Yes — roman chamomile is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Roman Chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile). Toxic principles include volatile oil, bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid, and tannic acid. Signs include contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia, and allergic reactions; chronic exposure may cause bleeding tendencies.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats roman chamomile?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Roman Chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile). Toxic principles include volatile oil, bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid, and tannic acid. Signs include contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia, and allergic reactions; chronic exposure may cause bleeding tendencies. 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 roman chamomile.

What should I do if my cat ate roman chamomile?

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 roman chamomile toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to roman chamomile?

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 roman chamomile pet-safety