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Is Russian Tarragon toxic to cats?

Artemisia dracunculoides

Toxic to cats

Yes — russian 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. Artemisia. The ASPCA lists tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus, of which Russian tarragon is the same species complex) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principle is the plant's essential oils, causing mild vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep pets from grazing it and contact a vet if significant amounts are eaten.

What to do if your cat ate russian tarragon

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

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

Is russian tarragon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is russian tarragon toxic to cats?

Yes — russian tarragon is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Artemisia. The ASPCA lists tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus, of which Russian tarragon is the same species complex) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principle is the plant's essential oils, causing mild vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep pets from grazing it and contact a vet if significant amounts are eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats russian tarragon?

Artemisia. The ASPCA lists tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus, of which Russian tarragon is the same species complex) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principle is the plant's essential oils, causing mild vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep pets from grazing it and contact a vet if significant amounts are eaten. 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 russian tarragon.

What should I do if my cat ate russian 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 russian tarragon toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to russian 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 russian tarragon pet-safety