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Is Winter Tarragon toxic to cats?

Tagetes filifolia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists winter 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. Treated as mildly toxic. The ASPCA lists Calendula (pot marigold) as non-toxic, but true marigolds in the genus Tagetes are reported to cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin. Tagetes filifolia is not individually listed; keep pets from grazing it and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate winter tarragon

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

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

Is winter tarragon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is winter tarragon toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists winter 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. Treated as mildly toxic. The ASPCA lists Calendula (pot marigold) as non-toxic, but true marigolds in the genus Tagetes are reported to cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin. Tagetes filifolia is not individually listed; keep pets from grazing it and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats winter tarragon?

Treated as mildly toxic. The ASPCA lists Calendula (pot marigold) as non-toxic, but true marigolds in the genus Tagetes are reported to cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin. Tagetes filifolia is not individually listed; keep pets from grazing it and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 winter tarragon.

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

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

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