Is Feverfew Toxic to Cats?

⚠️ Mildly ToxicSeverity: Mild

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Feverfew is mildly toxic to cats. Eating the daisy-like plant can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and contact may irritate the mouth or skin.

Also known as: Bachelor’s Buttons, Featherfew, Tanacetum parthenium · Tanacetum parthenium

What makes it toxic

Sesquiterpene lactones and small amounts of pyrethrin-related compounds in leaves and flowers, which irritate mucous membranes and the gut.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and occasionally mouth irritation within hours; skin contact can cause mild redness and itching.

What to do if your cat eats it

Rinse the mouth, remove plant material and offer water. Call your vet if vomiting persists or the mouth looks inflamed.

Common questions

Is feverfew related to chrysanthemums — same risk?

Yes, both are in the daisy family with pyrethrin-type compounds. Mums tend to cause stronger reactions, and feverfew stays in the mild-irritant range for cats.

My cat brushed against feverfew and is scratching — what now?

Wipe the fur with a damp cloth. Contact irritation from feverfew is usually mild; ask your vet if the scratching continues.

More plants checked for cats

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves or vines releases sharp calcium oxalate crystal Aloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to cats. The gel is famously soothing for human skin, bu Spider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to cats. They are one of the best houseplants for homes with cur Easter Lily☠️ ToxicYes — and this is one of the most dangerous plants a cat can meet. Every part of an Easter lily,Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to cats and among the deadliest houseplants. Every part contai Boston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to cats — a classic choice for plant-loving cat households.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.