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Is Yarrow toxic to cats?

Achillea millefolium

Toxic to cats

Yes — yarrow is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are glycoalkaloids (achillein), monoterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones (achillin); ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, colic, drooling, anorexia, dermatitis and depression. Keep pets and livestock from grazing it.

What to do if your cat ate yarrow

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

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

Is yarrow toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is yarrow toxic to cats?

Yes — yarrow is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are glycoalkaloids (achillein), monoterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones (achillin); ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, colic, drooling, anorexia, dermatitis and depression. Keep pets and livestock from grazing it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats yarrow?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principles are glycoalkaloids (achillein), monoterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones (achillin); ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, colic, drooling, anorexia, dermatitis and depression. Keep pets and livestock 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 yarrow.

What should I do if my cat ate yarrow?

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 yarrow toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to yarrow?

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 yarrow pet-safety