What should I do if my cat ate Yarrow?

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. 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 should I do if my dog ate Yarrow?

Gently wipe out your dog's mouth with a damp cloth to remove any plant residue and offer fresh water. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA APCC at (888) 426-4435 before giving any treatment. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if your dog is vomiting more than once or twice, has bloody or persistent diarrhea, won't eat or drink for more than a few hours, or seems unusually depressed or wobbly. Small or young dogs and any dog that ate a large amount should be evaluated promptly.

Yarrow — R. A. Nonenmacher — Photo by R. A. NonenmacherWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

Photo by R. A. NonenmacherWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

Pet safety reference

Yarrow

Q: Is Yarrow safe for cats?

Yarrow is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Q: Is Yarrow safe for dogs?

Yarrow is potentially toxic to dogs. While typically mild, ingestion can cause significant stomach upset. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium is a hardy perennial herb known for its feathery, fern-like foliage and clusters of small, daisy-like flowers. While popular in gardens, it contains compounds that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Achillea millefoliumCommon YarrowDog DaisyMilfoil

Light: Full sun
Habit: Clumping perennial
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

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.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and increased salivation.

Escalation note

While typically mild, ingestion can cause significant stomach upset. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Yarrow is listed as toxic to both dogs and cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and dermatitis.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Achillea millefolium is a perennial herb native to the Northern Hemisphere, often used in pollinator gardens.

cats safety page My cat ate Yarrow dogs safety page My dog ate Yarrow

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