Is Sweet Annie toxic to cats?

Yes — sweet annie is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Artemisia (wormwood). The ASPCA lists Artemisia, including tarragon and wormwood, as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and related compounds, causing vomiting and diarrhoea and, in large ingestions, more serious effects. As an aromatic Artemisia, treat sweet Annie as toxic and prevent pets from grazing it.

Artemisia (wormwood). The ASPCA lists Artemisia, including tarragon and wormwood, as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and related compounds, causing vomiting and diarrhoea and, in large ingestions, more serious effects. As an aromatic Artemisia, treat sweet Annie as toxic and prevent pets from grazing it. 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 sweet annie.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sweet Annie is toxic to dogs as well. See the full sweet annie pet-safety guide for both species.

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.