Coreopsis — (c) Bob Peterson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo by (c) Bob Peterson, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY
cat safety reference

Is Coreopsis safe for cats?

Coreopsis spp.

Coreopsis is a popular genus of flowering plants in the aster family, widely grown for their cheerful, daisy-like blooms. They are generally considered safe for household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

CalliopsisCoreopsis spp.Tickseed
Light
Full sun
Habit
Clumping herbaceous perennial
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 grazing on coreopsis (also called tickseed) aren't ingesting anything toxic — ASPCA classifies it as non-toxic to cats and identifies no toxic principle, so a quick mouthful from a cut-flower bouquet is a non-event.

Sources: ASPCA.

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 expected; however, consumption of large quantities of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.

Escalation note

This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Bring it home

Coreopsisis 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

Coreopsis is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Coreopsis is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, commonly known as tickseed.

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Questions about Coreopsis

Is coreopsis toxic to cats?

Coreopsis is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, and no toxic compounds have been documented for this plant.

What happens if my cat eats coreopsis?

Consuming small amounts is unlikely to cause any reaction. If your cat eats a large quantity of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of plant matter, not any toxic principle.

How much coreopsis would make a cat sick?

No toxic dose exists for coreopsis because the plant is non-toxic. Any GI upset would be from the sheer volume of fibrous material eaten, not a poisonous compound — small nibbles pose no concern.

Should I call my vet if my cat ate coreopsis?

A call is not urgent for small ingestions, but if your cat consumed a significant amount and is vomiting repeatedly or seems distressed, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

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