Is Yarrow Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Common Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, Soldier’s Woundwort · Achillea millefolium
What makes it toxic
Volatile oils, alkaloids and tannins in the ferny foliage and flowers that irritate the stomach and affect urination in quantity.
Warning signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and occasionally increased urination within a few hours of eating plant material.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove the plant material, offer water and monitor. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day or the cat seems weak.
Common questions
Yarrow is a medicinal herb — is it safer for cats than ornamentals?
No. Medicinal use does not make it pet-safe. Cats lack the dose control and processing that make it useful in humans, so expect GI upset from chewing.
Is yarrow in the garden a big danger if my cat brushes past it?
Brushing contact is harmless; only eating causes symptoms. Yarrow is a low-risk perennial for cat households that nibble occasionally.
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.