Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Roman Wormwood toxic to cats?

Artemisia pontica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists roman wormwood 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. Artemisia pontica contains thujone and other volatile compounds and is classified in the same genus as tarragon (A. dracunculus), which ASPCA lists as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (essential oils; vomiting, diarrhea). A. pontica is not individually listed by ASPCA but should be treated as mildly toxic by genus association. The plant also has historic use as an absinthe ingredient, confirming potent biological activity.

What to do if your cat ate roman wormwood

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

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

Is roman wormwood toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is roman wormwood toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists roman wormwood 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. Artemisia pontica contains thujone and other volatile compounds and is classified in the same genus as tarragon (A. dracunculus), which ASPCA lists as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (essential oils; vomiting, diarrhea). A. pontica is not individually listed by ASPCA but should be treated as mildly toxic by genus association. The plant also has historic use as an absinthe ingredient, confirming potent biological activity.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats roman wormwood?

Artemisia pontica contains thujone and other volatile compounds and is classified in the same genus as tarragon (A. dracunculus), which ASPCA lists as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (essential oils; vomiting, diarrhea). A. pontica is not individually listed by ASPCA but should be treated as mildly toxic by genus association. The plant also has historic use as an absinthe ingredient, confirming potent biological activity. 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 wormwood.

What should I do if my cat ate roman wormwood?

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 wormwood toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to roman wormwood?

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 wormwood pet-safety