Is Tarragon Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: French Tarragon, Estragon, Artemisia dracunculus · Artemisia dracunculus
What makes it toxic
Volatile essential oils, including estragole, plus tannins that irritate the stomach lining when a meaningful amount is eaten.
Warning signs to watch for
Mild vomiting, diarrhea and occasional drooling within a few hours of chewing leaves. Signs are usually self-limiting.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove any plant material, offer fresh water and monitor. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day or the cat stops eating.
Common questions
Can a cat die from eating tarragon?
Death from tarragon is not documented in cats. The realistic worst case is a day or two of stomach upset; be cautious because estragole is under study for longer-term harm with repeated exposure.
Is dried tarragon in cooked food dangerous if my cat licks it?
A lick of sauce is very unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset, but fatty or heavily seasoned dishes themselves can cause diarrhea.
More plants checked for cats
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.