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Pet safety

Is Sneezewort toxic to cats?

Achillea ptarmica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sneezewort 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 ptarmica shares the genus-level toxicity profile with other yarrows: sesquiterpene lactones and the alkaloid achilleine can cause contact dermatitis and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets or humans. ASPCA lists Achillea millefolium as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; this species should be treated with the same caution.

What to do if your cat ate sneezewort

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

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

Is sneezewort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sneezewort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sneezewort 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 ptarmica shares the genus-level toxicity profile with other yarrows: sesquiterpene lactones and the alkaloid achilleine can cause contact dermatitis and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets or humans. ASPCA lists Achillea millefolium as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; this species should be treated with the same caution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sneezewort?

Achillea ptarmica shares the genus-level toxicity profile with other yarrows: sesquiterpene lactones and the alkaloid achilleine can cause contact dermatitis and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets or humans. ASPCA lists Achillea millefolium as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; this species should be treated with the same caution. 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 sneezewort.

What should I do if my cat ate sneezewort?

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 sneezewort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sneezewort?

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 sneezewort pet-safety