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Pet safety

Is French tarragon toxic to cats?

Artemisia dracunculus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists french tarragon 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. Artemisia species contain estragole and thujone-related compounds. Considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs in large amounts; culinary use is safe.

What to do if your cat ate french tarragon

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

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

Is french tarragon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is french tarragon toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists french tarragon 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. Artemisia species contain estragole and thujone-related compounds. Considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs in large amounts; culinary use is safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats french tarragon?

Artemisia species contain estragole and thujone-related compounds. Considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs in large amounts; culinary use is safe. 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 french tarragon.

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

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

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