Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Tarragon - what should I do?
Artemisia dracunculus
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, and potential hypersalivation.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat displays persistent signs of illness.
What to watch for
Watch for mild vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea, drooling/hypersalivation, and reduced appetite. Effects are usually mild; anything beyond one or two transient bouts of vomiting, or persistent disinterest in food, is the threshold for concern.
Time window
Exact onset and duration are not specified in the ASPCA entry. For comparable essential-oil herb ingestions, mild GI signs typically appear within a few hours and resolve in 24–48 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues past a few hours, if your cat refuses food or water for more than 12 hours, or if you see lethargy, weakness, or any sign beyond a transient stomach upset. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.
What this means for your cat
Tarragon is toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists it on its toxic-plant list with essential oils as the toxic principle, and reactions in cats are typically limited to mild stomach upset rather than systemic poisoning. A curious nibble is rarely an emergency, but the herb is not safe to leave within reach.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.