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Is White Mugwort toxic to cats?

Artemisia lactiflora

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white mugwort 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 lactiflora is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, the Artemisia genus contains volatile oils and thujone compounds — ASPCA classifies tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Out of caution, treat the whole genus as mildly toxic. Skin contact may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

What to do if your cat ate white mugwort

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

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

Is white mugwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is white mugwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white mugwort 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 lactiflora is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, the Artemisia genus contains volatile oils and thujone compounds — ASPCA classifies tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Out of caution, treat the whole genus as mildly toxic. Skin contact may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats white mugwort?

Artemisia lactiflora is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, the Artemisia genus contains volatile oils and thujone compounds — ASPCA classifies tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Out of caution, treat the whole genus as mildly toxic. Skin contact may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. 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 white mugwort.

What should I do if my cat ate white mugwort?

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 white mugwort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to white mugwort?

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 white mugwort pet-safety