Pot Marigold — (c) Corin@ 2008, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo by (c) Corin@ 2008, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY
cat safety reference

Is Pot Marigold safe for cats?

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

Cats

Generally safe

Consulted 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.

What this means for your cat

Cats are safe around pot marigold — ASPCA classifies Calendula officinalis as non-toxic to cats. (Don't confuse it with Tagetes-type "garden marigolds," which are mildly irritating.)

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.

Catsconcern 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.

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

Open source

Non-toxic to dogs and cats.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Calendula officinalis is a hardy annual often used in herb gardens and as a bedding plant.

Cats & dogs pagedogs page

Same cat verdict

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