Is Tansy Toxic to Cats?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Yes, tansy is toxic to cats. Its thujone-rich foliage causes vomiting and diarrhea, and larger amounts can reach the nervous system.

Also known as: Common Tansy, Golden Buttons, Bitter Buttons, Tanacetum vulgare · Tanacetum vulgare

What makes it toxic

Thujone, a neurotoxic monoterpene concentrated in the leaves and flowers, plus sesquiterpene lactones. It irritates the gut and affects the brain at higher doses.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain within hours; larger ingestions add restlessness, tremors and, rarely, seizures.

What to do if your cat eats it

Remove plant material and call your vet after any meaningful ingestion — go promptly if tremors or stumbling appear. Do not wait out nervous-system signs.

Common questions

Tansy repels insects — can I use it around my pets?

That same chemistry is what poisons them. Plant it away from pet areas and never make homemade insect sprays that pets can lick.

Is tansy the same as tansy ragwort?

Different plants, both toxic. Tansy ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) causes chronic liver failure in grazing animals and is equally worth keeping from pets.

More plants checked for cats

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves or vines releases sharp calcium oxalate crystal Aloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to cats. The gel is famously soothing for human skin, bu Spider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to cats. They are one of the best houseplants for homes with cur Easter Lily☠️ ToxicYes — and this is one of the most dangerous plants a cat can meet. Every part of an Easter lily,Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to cats and among the deadliest houseplants. Every part contai Boston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to cats — a classic choice for plant-loving cat households.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.