Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Ambrosia Mexicana - what should I do?
Chenopodium botrys
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 abdominal discomfort.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if you suspect your cat has consumed this plant.
What to watch for
Most common in cats: vomiting, refusal to eat (anorexia), and depression — the three signs ASPCA lists explicitly. Drooling and abdominal discomfort can also appear if a cat chewed multiple stems. Severity is usually mild to moderate.
Time window
ASPCA does not publish a specific onset or recovery window for Ambrosia Mexicana — exact timing not well documented. Plan to monitor your cat closely for 12–24 hours after a known or suspected nibble.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if you saw any chewing, or if your cat starts vomiting, refusing food, or acting unusually withdrawn. Same-day evaluation is appropriate; don't wait overnight.
What this means for your cat
Cats can be poisoned by Ambrosia Mexicana — the ASPCA classifies the entire plant as toxic to cats. Sesquiterpene lactones in the leaves and stems are the culprit, so even nibbling foliage can upset a cat's stomach and dampen their mood.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.