Is Chrysanthemum Toxic to Cats?

Chrysanthemum indicum

Chrysanthemums produce pyrethrins, compounds that are natural insecticides and that cats clear poorly. Eating the flowers or leaves causes drooling, vomiting, wobbliness and, at higher exposures, tremors.

They also come indoors as cut flowers and potted specimens from September to November, which is when most exposures happen.

Which parts are dangerous

• flowers
• leaves
• stem

What to watch for in the UK

• Frequently used in autumn and funeral bouquets.
• Potted chrysanthemums are sold as seasonal gifts.
• Contact with the plant can irritate skin and paws.
• Pyrethrin-based pet products are formulated for that use — the plant is not.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Phone your vet if flowers or leaves were chewed.
2. Watch for drooling, wobbliness and tremors.
3. Keep bouquets out of reach.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).