Chrysanthemum — no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子
Photo by no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子iNaturalistCC0
Pet safety reference

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum spp.

Chrysanthemums are popular flowering perennials containing pyrethrins and other compounds that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion. They are widely recognized as toxic to common household pets.

Chrysanthemum spp.Florist's ChrysanthemumGarden MumMum
Light
Bright indirect light
Habit
Mounding
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.

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

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation (dermatitis) upon contact.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress and potential coordination issues. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and incoordination.

Escalation note

Contact with the plant may cause skin redness or irritation. If you suspect your dog has consumed this plant, consult a veterinarian immediately for guidance.

Safer alternatives

Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Chrysanthemum contains pyrethrins, sesquiterpene lactones, and other potential irritants.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Chrysanthemum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, often used in autumn displays.

cats safety pageMy cat ate Chrysanthemumdogs safety pageMy dog ate Chrysanthemum

Questions about Chrysanthemum

Are chrysanthemums toxic to cats?

Yes, chrysanthemums are toxic to cats. They contain pyrethrins and other irritating compounds that cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation (dermatitis) upon contact or ingestion.

What symptoms will my cat show after eating a chrysanthemum?

Watch for drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, wobbliness or incoordination, and skin redness where the plant touched fur. Your cat may also paw at the mouth or refuse food. GI signs typically begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours of chewing and mild cases often resolve in 12–24 hours with supportive care.

What should I do if my cat ate a chrysanthemum?

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if your cat ingested more than a leaf-tip nibble, is wobbling, has drooled or vomited more than once, or shows visible skin irritation. Cats are considered higher-risk than dogs with this plant.

What part of a chrysanthemum is poisonous to cats?

All parts of the chrysanthemum plant are considered toxic to cats — the leaves, stems, and flowers all contain pyrethrins and other irritating compounds. Even skin contact with the plant can cause dermatitis, so exposure to any part of the plant warrants monitoring.

Are chrysanthemums toxic to dogs?

Yes, chrysanthemums are toxic to dogs. They contain pyrethrins and other irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and incoordination if ingested. Contact with the plant can also cause skin redness or irritation on the muzzle and paws.

What symptoms will my dog show after eating a chrysanthemum?

GI signs — vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling — are the most common reactions and typically begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours of ingestion. Larger ingestions can also cause wobbliness or incoordination. If your dog rubbed against the plant or rolled in cuttings, watch for skin redness on the muzzle or paws.

What should I do if my dog ate a chrysanthemum?

Remove your dog from the plant and check for skin irritation on the muzzle and paws. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting or diarrhea repeats, your dog seems wobbly or unusually sleepy, there is persistent drooling, or your dog ate a large amount. GI signs typically resolve within 12–24 hours with supportive care.

What part of the chrysanthemum plant is poisonous to dogs?

The whole plant contains irritating compounds, including pyrethrins. Contact with any part — leaves, stems, or flowers — can cause skin irritation, and chewing or ingesting any portion can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

Often compared with

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict