Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Yarrow - what should I do?
Achillea millefolium
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential skin irritation upon contact.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant.
First aid at home
Rinse irritated skin with cool water if your cat will tolerate it, and remove any remaining plant material from the mouth and coat. Pet Poison Helpline emphasizes that there is no safe way to induce vomiting at home in cats and that hydrogen peroxide should never be given to cats — call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before attempting any home treatment.
What to watch for
ASPCA-documented signs in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, colic, drooling, anorexia (loss of appetite), dermatitis, and depression. The combination of digestive signs and skin irritation is the hallmark — a cat that has been brushing through a yarrow patch may also show red, irritated skin where the foliage has contacted bare areas.
Time window
Onset and recovery windows are not well documented for yarrow in cats; ASPCA does not publish specific timing data.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if vomiting or diarrhea continues beyond a few episodes, if your cat refuses food for more than half a day, or if you see signs of depression (unusual stillness, hiding, unresponsiveness). Persistent dermatitis or any swelling of the mouth also warrants a same-day call.
What this means for your cat
Yarrow looks like a delicate herb, but ASPCA classifies it as toxic to cats. The plant's glycoalkaloids (achillein), monoterpenes, and sesquiterpene lactones (achillin) can produce both digestive upset and skin irritation, and the picture in cats is typically broader than the simple GI reaction you see with milder plants.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.