What should I do if my cat ate Chamomile?

Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea is more than a single mild episode, if your cat is refusing food for more than a meal or two, if you see facial swelling or a worsening rash, or if there is any sign of unusual bleeding or bruising. Concentrated chamomile essential oils or tinctures are higher risk than plant material — call right away if your cat licked or was dosed with one.

What should I do if my dog ate Chamomile?

Call the vet if vomiting or diarrhea is persistent or contains blood, if your dog seems lethargic or off food for more than 12 hours, if there is facial swelling or trouble breathing (possible allergic reaction), or if you see any sign of abnormal bleeding or bruising. Call right away if a dog ate a chamomile-containing essential oil, tincture, or a flavored tea bag (which may also contain xylitol or caffeine).

Chamomile — (c) Duarte Frade, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Duarte Frade — Photo by (c) Duarte Frade, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Duarte FradeiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Duarte Frade, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Duarte FradeiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Chamomile

Q: Is Chamomile safe for cats?

Chamomile is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress. If your cat has consumed this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Q: Is Chamomile safe for dogs?

Chamomile is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested any part of this plant.

Anthemis nobilis

Chamomile is a flowering plant in the daisy family often used in herbal teas and essential oils. While popular for human use, it contains compounds that can cause adverse reactions in pets if ingested.

Check a list

Anthemis nobilisChamaemelum nobileGarden chamomileRoman chamomile

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Low-growing, spreading herb
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

Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and potential allergic skin reactions upon contact.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress. If your cat has consumed this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential contact dermatitis.

Escalation note

Ingestion may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested 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

Open source

Chamomile is listed as toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Accepted botanical nomenclature for Chamaemelum nobile (syn. Anthemis nobilis).

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

Often compared with

Chamomile vs Mayweed

Same safety verdict

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