Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
cat safety reference
Is Feather Geranium safe for cats?
Ambrosia mexicana
Feather Geranium is an herbaceous plant known for its aromatic, fern-like foliage. It is considered toxic to pets if ingested and should be kept out of reach of cats and dogs.
Ambrosia mexicanaChenopodium botrysFeather Geranium
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Upright, branching
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats: feather geranium is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats. The active culprits are sesquiterpene lactones — the same family of compounds that make many ragweed and aster relatives unpleasant for cats — and ingestion is more likely to cause GI upset than acute systemic illness.
What to watch for
ASPCA lists vomiting, anorexia (refusal to eat), and depression in cats. Drooling and oral irritation can occur as the cat first chews the leaves.
Time window
Onset and recovery times for feather geranium ingestion in cats are not well documented in the cited sources.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if your cat eats more than a small mouthful, vomits more than once or twice, refuses food for more than a few hours, or seems unusually withdrawn.
Sources: ASPCA.
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
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and potential gastrointestinal distress.
Escalation note
Ingestion may cause discomfort; please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
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
Feather Geranium is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Plants of the World Online (Kew)
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and taxonomic classification for Ambrosia mexicana.
Same cat verdict
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