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Is Silvery Yarrow toxic to cats?

Achillea clavennae

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists silvery yarrow 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. Achillea species contain achilleine, sesquiterpene lactones, and volatile oils that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity by pets. ASPCA does not individually list Achillea clavennae but lists the genus Achillea (yarrow) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, increased urination, and potential dermatitis. Treat as mildly to moderately toxic to pets.

What to do if your cat ate silvery yarrow

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

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

Is silvery yarrow toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is silvery yarrow toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists silvery yarrow 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. Achillea species contain achilleine, sesquiterpene lactones, and volatile oils that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity by pets. ASPCA does not individually list Achillea clavennae but lists the genus Achillea (yarrow) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, increased urination, and potential dermatitis. Treat as mildly to moderately toxic to pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats silvery yarrow?

Achillea species contain achilleine, sesquiterpene lactones, and volatile oils that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity by pets. ASPCA does not individually list Achillea clavennae but lists the genus Achillea (yarrow) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, increased urination, and potential dermatitis. Treat as mildly to moderately toxic to pets. 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 silvery yarrow.

What should I do if my cat ate silvery yarrow?

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 silvery yarrow toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Silvery Yarrow is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full silvery yarrow pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to silvery yarrow?

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 silvery yarrow pet-safety