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Is Rough Chervil toxic to cats?

Chaerophyllum temulum

Toxic to cats

Yes — rough chervil 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. Chaerophyllum temulum contains toxic alkaloids and furanocoumarins. The plant causes gastrointestinal inflammation, drowsiness, vertigo, and cardiac weakness if ingested; the sap causes phototoxic skin irritation (contact dermatitis) on exposed skin in sunlight. It is toxic to livestock, people, and pets. It must not be confused with edible Anthriscus cerefolium (culinary chervil), which is ASPCA-listed non-toxic. Chaerophyllum temulum itself does not appear on the ASPCA database; it is classified as toxic based on documented veterinary and horticultural toxicity reports.

What to do if your cat ate rough chervil

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

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

Is rough chervil toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rough chervil toxic to cats?

Yes — rough chervil is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Chaerophyllum temulum contains toxic alkaloids and furanocoumarins. The plant causes gastrointestinal inflammation, drowsiness, vertigo, and cardiac weakness if ingested; the sap causes phototoxic skin irritation (contact dermatitis) on exposed skin in sunlight. It is toxic to livestock, people, and pets. It must not be confused with edible Anthriscus cerefolium (culinary chervil), which is ASPCA-listed non-toxic. Chaerophyllum temulum itself does not appear on the ASPCA database; it is classified as toxic based on documented veterinary and horticultural toxicity reports.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rough chervil?

Chaerophyllum temulum contains toxic alkaloids and furanocoumarins. The plant causes gastrointestinal inflammation, drowsiness, vertigo, and cardiac weakness if ingested; the sap causes phototoxic skin irritation (contact dermatitis) on exposed skin in sunlight. It is toxic to livestock, people, and pets. It must not be confused with edible Anthriscus cerefolium (culinary chervil), which is ASPCA-listed non-toxic. Chaerophyllum temulum itself does not appear on the ASPCA database; it is classified as toxic based on documented veterinary and horticultural toxicity reports. 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 rough chervil.

What should I do if my cat ate rough chervil?

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 rough chervil toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Rough Chervil is toxic to dogs as well. See the full rough chervil pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to rough chervil?

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 rough chervil pet-safety