Is Marigold (calendula) Safe for Cats?

Calendula officinalis

Calendula is listed as non-toxic to cats and is grown widely in UK gardens as an easy annual.

French and African marigolds (Tagetes) are also non-toxic, but they smell strongly and cats tend to ignore them either way.

What to watch for in the UK

• Direct-sow in spring; flowers within weeks.
• Self-seeds reliably in British gardens.
• A good companion for vegetables on an allotment.
• Calendula ointment is for people, not cats.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Nothing to do.
2. If the cat vomits repeatedly, check for another cause.

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).