Cats & Dogs
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
Pet safety reference
Caraway
Carum carvi
Carum carvi is a biennial herb in the Apiaceae family widely cultivated for its aromatic seeds. While commonly used in culinary applications, ingestion of the plant in large quantities may cause adverse reactions in pets.
CarawayCarum carviMeridian fennelPersian cumin
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Herbaceous biennial
- 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
Gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and potential lethargy.
Escalation note
While generally mild, ingestion of significant amounts can cause digestive distress. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat shows signs of discomfort.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential abdominal pain or loss of appetite.
Escalation note
Symptoms are typically mild but warrant monitoring. Contact your veterinarian if your dog consumes a large quantity or exhibits persistent symptoms.
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
Caraway is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and distribution data for Carum carvi L.
Questions about Caraway
Is caraway toxic to cats?
Caraway (Carum carvi) is considered potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion, especially in significant amounts, can cause gastrointestinal upset, though reactions are generally mild for typical plant-material exposures.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating caraway?
The most common signs are vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Some cats may also drool, lip-smack, or briefly refuse food. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours and resolve within 24 hours for routine chewing of the herb.
What should I do if my cat ate caraway?
Monitor your cat closely for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, you see blood in vomit or stool, your cat becomes wobbly or lethargic, or if your cat was exposed to concentrated caraway essential oil rather than the herb itself — that warrants prompt evaluation regardless of the amount.
Is caraway essential oil more dangerous to cats than the herb?
Yes, concentrated caraway essential oil is a greater concern than the plant itself. While chewing the herb typically causes only mild, self-limiting GI upset, contact with or ingestion of the essential oil warrants prompt veterinary evaluation even in small amounts.
Is caraway toxic to dogs?
Caraway (Carum carvi) is classified as potentially toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles a small amount of leaves or a few seeds may be fine, but larger quantities can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Symptoms are typically mild, but the plant warrants caution.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating caraway?
After eating caraway, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, mild abdominal discomfort, or a temporary loss of appetite. Symptoms usually begin within a few hours of ingestion and tend to resolve within 24 hours for dogs that only nibbled leaves or a few seeds.
What should I do if my dog ate caraway?
Monitor your dog closely for vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of abdominal pain. If symptoms last more than 24 hours, if there is blood in the vomit or stool, or if your dog was exposed to concentrated caraway essential oil, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.
Is caraway essential oil more dangerous to dogs than the plant itself?
The petPageWhenToCallVet guidance specifically singles out concentrated caraway essential oil as warranting an immediate call to your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline (888) 426-4435, suggesting it poses a higher risk than incidental contact with the leaves or seeds. Exact toxicology data on the oil is not well documented, so err on the side of caution and contact a professional immediately if your dog is exposed to it.
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