Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Chamomile - what should I do?
Anthemis nobilis
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
Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and potential allergic skin reactions upon contact.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress. If your cat has consumed this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.
What to watch for
Most-common to least: vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite after ingestion; drooling or pawing at the mouth from oral irritation; itchy skin, redness, or rash from contact (allergic dermatitis). With chronic or repeated exposure, ASPCA notes long-term use can lead to bleeding tendencies, which can show up as bruising, nosebleeds, or blood in stool.
Time window
GI signs typically appear within hours of ingestion and resolve in 24 hours or so with supportive care. Skin/contact reactions can be immediate or take several hours to appear. Bleeding-tendency effects are tied to long-term, repeated exposure rather than a single nibble.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea is more than a single mild episode, if your cat is refusing food for more than a meal or two, if you see facial swelling or a worsening rash, or if there is any sign of unusual bleeding or bruising. Concentrated chamomile essential oils or tinctures are higher risk than plant material — call right away if your cat licked or was dosed with one.
What this means for your cat
Cats can react to chamomile, even though it is famous as a soothing herb in human cups of tea. ASPCA lists Anthemis nobilis as toxic to cats, with effects ranging from contact dermatitis on the skin to vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion. Cats are usually more sensitive than dogs to its essential-oil compounds.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.