What should I do if my cat ate Tarragon?

Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues past a few hours, if your cat refuses food or water for more than 12 hours, or if you see lethargy, weakness, or any sign beyond a transient stomach upset. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.

What should I do if my dog ate Tarragon?

Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond a few hours, if your dog seems weak, dehydrated, or cannot keep water down, or if you see any neurological signs such as tremors or unsteadiness. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.

Tarragon — (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson — Photo by (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve MatsoniNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve MatsoniNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Tarragon

Q: Is Tarragon safe for cats?

Tarragon is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion typically causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat displays persistent signs of illness.

Q: Is Tarragon safe for dogs?

Tarragon is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion may lead to digestive irritation. Monitor your pet closely and consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.

Artemisia dracunculus

Tarragon is a perennial herb in the sunflower family often used in culinary applications. While popular in kitchens, it contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Artemisia dracunculusDragon WormwoodEstragonFrench Tarragon

Light: Full sun
Habit: Herbaceous perennial
Care: Moderate

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, and potential hypersalivation.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat displays persistent signs of illness.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

Escalation note

Ingestion may lead to digestive irritation. Monitor your pet closely and consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.

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

Tarragon is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to potential gastrointestinal irritation.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Artemisia dracunculus is a culinary herb known for its aromatic foliage and specific growing requirements.

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

Same safety verdict

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