Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Pot Marigold
Calendula officinalis
Pot Marigold is a popular flowering annual known for its bright, daisy-like blooms and culinary uses. It is considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
CalendulaCalendula officinalisCommon MarigoldGarden Marigold
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Upright, bushy
- Care
- Low
Safety status
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
None typically expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large quantity and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None typically expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large quantity and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Pot Marigoldis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Non-toxic to dogs and cats.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Calendula officinalis is a hardy annual often used in herb gardens and as a bedding plant.
Questions about Pot Marigold
Is Pot Marigold (Calendula) toxic to cats?
Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning — though that does not mean it is beneficial for cats to eat.
What happens if my cat eats Calendula flowers or leaves?
Most cats will experience no symptoms at all. If your cat consumes a large amount of the plant's fibrous material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of vegetation, not any toxic compound.
How much Pot Marigold would cause a problem for a cat?
Small nibbles are very unlikely to cause any issue. Problems, if they occur at all, are associated with consuming large quantities of plant material and are limited to minor digestive upset such as vomiting or loose stools.
Should I call my vet if my cat ate Pot Marigold?
A call is not urgent for a small ingestion, but if your cat ate a large amount and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian. Specific toxic effects are not documented for this plant in cats.
Is pot marigold (Calendula) toxic to dogs?
Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is generally safe, though eating large amounts of the fibrous plant material may cause mild digestive upset.
What happens if a dog eats Calendula flowers or leaves?
Most dogs that nibble on pot marigold will have no symptoms at all. Consuming a large quantity may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the fibrous bulk of the plant material, not a toxic principle.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of pot marigold?
Non-toxic does not mean harmless in large doses — if your dog ate a significant amount and is showing persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian. For minor one-off nibbling, monitoring at home is usually sufficient.
Can pot marigold cause an allergic reaction in dogs?
The available data does not document allergic reactions in dogs from pot marigold; the only noted risk is mild GI upset from large ingestions of plant material. If you observe unusual symptoms like facial swelling or hives, consult your vet.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Aluminum Plant
Pilea cadierei
The Aluminum Plant is a popular indoor foliage plant known for its striking silver-patterned leaves and compact growth habit. It is considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Baby Rubber Plant
Peperomia obtusifolia
The American Rubber Plant is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant known for its thick, succulent-like leaves. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Bloodleaf
Iresine herbstii
Bloodleaf is a vibrant ornamental plant known for its striking deep red or purple foliage. While it is considered non-toxic, ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause mild digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
St. Bernard's Lily
Anthericum liliago
St. Bernard's Lily is a hardy, grass-like perennial known for its elegant, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It is considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.
Hardy Gloxinia
Incarvillea delavayi
Hardy Gloxinia is a perennial garden plant known for its trumpet-shaped, pinkish-purple flowers and fern-like foliage. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though large ingestions of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Not yet rated for cats.
Generally safe for dogs.