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.
cat safety reference
Is Mayweed safe for cats?
Anthemis cotula
Mayweed is a flowering herbaceous plant in the daisy family known for its strong scent and daisy-like blooms. It is considered toxic to pets due to the presence of compounds that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.
Anthemis cotulaDog FennelStinking ChamomileStinking Mayweed
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright herbaceous annual
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Mayweed (also called stinking chamomile) is toxic to cats. The volatile oils — bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid, and tannic acid — can cause both contact dermatitis on the skin and GI upset if your cat chews the leaves or flowers. Most exposures in cats are skin-related rather than from eating it.
What to watch for
Skin contact: contact dermatitis with redness, itching, and patchy hair loss where the cat brushed the plant. Ingestion: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and decreased appetite. Allergic-type reactions are possible. Long-term exposure has been associated with bleeding tendencies.
Time window
Specific onset timing isn't well documented for cats. Skin reactions typically appear within hours of contact; GI signs after ingestion usually emerge within a few hours and resolve in 24 to 48 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA APCC (1-888-426-4435) if your cat shows persistent vomiting, refuses food for more than a meal or two, or develops a skin reaction that's spreading or oozing. Get in immediately for any allergic-type swelling.
First aid at home
If your cat brushed against the plant, rinse the affected fur with cool water and mild pet shampoo to remove residue. For ingestion, remove plant material from the mouth and call your vet. Do not induce vomiting at home.
Sources: ASPCA, NC State Extension.
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
Dermatitis, oral irritation, drooling, and potential gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Escalation note
Contact with the plant can cause skin irritation. If ingestion occurs, monitor for vomiting or lethargy and contact your veterinarian.
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
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Anthemis cotula is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family, often considered a weed in agricultural settings.
Same cat verdict
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