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 Tarragon safe for cats?
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.
Artemisia dracunculusDragon WormwoodEstragonFrench Tarragon
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Tarragon is toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists it on its toxic-plant list with essential oils as the toxic principle, and reactions in cats are typically limited to mild stomach upset rather than systemic poisoning. A curious nibble is rarely an emergency, but the herb is not safe to leave within reach.
What to watch for
Watch for mild vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea, drooling/hypersalivation, and reduced appetite. Effects are usually mild; anything beyond one or two transient bouts of vomiting, or persistent disinterest in food, is the threshold for concern.
Time window
Exact onset and duration are not specified in the ASPCA entry. For comparable essential-oil herb ingestions, mild GI signs typically appear within a few hours and resolve in 24–48 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
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.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
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.
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
Tarragon is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to potential gastrointestinal irritation.
Questions about Tarragon
Is tarragon toxic to cats?
Yes, tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is considered potentially toxic to cats. The herb contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested, so it should be kept out of reach of cats.
What symptoms will a cat show after eating tarragon?
A cat that has eaten tarragon may show vomiting, diarrhea, and hypersalivation (drooling). Effects are typically mild to moderate; watch for more than one or two bouts of vomiting, persistent diarrhea, or refusal to eat or drink, which signal a need for veterinary attention.
What should I do if my cat ate tarragon?
Monitor your cat closely for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and reduced appetite. Mild GI signs typically appear within a few hours and resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care. 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 notice lethargy or weakness. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What part of tarragon is harmful to cats?
The essential oils present throughout the tarragon plant are responsible for its toxic effect on cats. The ASPCA entry does not single out one part as more dangerous than another, so the whole plant — leaves, stems, and all — should be treated as a hazard.
Same cat verdict
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