Plants / Chamomile / cats

Is Chamomile toxic to cats?

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): the ASPCA lists contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions, and says long term use can lead to bleeding tendencies.

  • TOXINVolatile oil, bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid, tannic acid
  • WHAT TO EXPECTContact dermatitis; vomiting; diarrhea
  • CALL THE VETContact your vet if signs persist or worsen after chamomile exposure.
S0S1S2S3S4

Symptoms

SIGN
Contact dermatitis
vomiting
diarrhea
anorexia
allergic reactions
bleeding tendencies (Long term use)

If your cat just ate it

S2 PROTOCOL
1
Move chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) out of your cat's reach. Watch for contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, or allergic reactions. The ASPCA also says long term use can lead to bleeding tendencies. Contact your vet if signs persist or worsen.
2
When to call the vet: Contact your vet if signs persist or worsen after chamomile exposure.

Same tabletop look, minus the risk

3 tabletop plants graded S0 — non-toxic on record.

Care at a glance

Lightdirect
Waterevery 5–9 days
Humiditymedium
Difficulty●○○

FAQ

Is chamomile toxic to cats?

Yes, for Anthemis nobilis: S2 Irritant. The ASPCA lists "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses" and records contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions. It also says "Long term use can lead to bleeding tendencies." Move chamomile out of your cat's reach and contact your vet if signs persist or worsen.

Which plant does this chamomile verdict cover?

Anthemis nobilis. The ASPCA's Chamomile, Garden Chamomile, Ground Apple, and Roman Chamomile entries all name "Anthemis nobilis". This verdict covers that species; plants with other scientific names are not covered and are not graded here. Check the full scientific name on the tag before applying this verdict.

Does this chamomile verdict cover Stinking Chamomile, Mayweed, or Poison Daisy?

No. The ASPCA's Stinking Chamomile, Mayweed, and Poison Daisy entries name "Anthemis cotula" and read "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses". Those entries name a different species from Anthemis nobilis, so they are outside this page's verdict and we do not grade them here. Check the scientific name on the tag.

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Verdapaw Plant × Pet Safety Index, verdapaw.com/plants/chamomile, reviewed 2026-10-11