The milfoil plant, also known as yarrow, is toxic to cats if ingested. This common perennial herb, with the scientific name Achillea millefolium, belongs to the Asteraceae family and can be found throughout North America growing in the wild, along roadsides, in forests, and sometimes in gardens.
While the milfoil plant has medicinal uses for humans, it contains toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset and other adverse effects in cats.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If a cat ingests a significant amount of the milfoil plant, it may experience symptoms of poisoning. The most common signs of milfoil toxicity in cats include:
In some cases, cats may also exhibit increased urination, drowsiness, and skin irritation.
If you suspect your cat has ingested milfoil and is showing symptoms of poisoning, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care promptly. Your veterinarian will likely follow these steps to diagnose and treat milfoil poisoning:
A: Yes, the Milfoil plant, also known as yarrow, is harmful to cats if ingested. It contains toxins that can cause digestive upset and other health issues in cats.
A: If a cat ingests Milfoil, it may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and increased drooling. In more severe cases, it can lead to weakness and loss of coordination.
A: The Milfoil plant is considered mildly toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. While it is unlikely to be fatal, ingestion can lead to uncomfortable symptoms that may require veterinary care.
A: If your cat ingests Milfoil, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away. Early intervention can help manage the symptoms and ensure your cat’s safety.
A: Yes, there are many cat-safe plants like Boston ferns or spider plants that are safer alternatives to Milfoil. These plants are non-toxic and can still bring beauty to your home without harming your pets.
A: To prevent your cat from eating toxic plants like Milfoil, keep these plants out of reach or avoid having them in your home. Offering pet-friendly plants like cat grass can help satisfy your cat’s natural curiosity while keeping them safe.
Milfoil, or yarrow, has a long history of medicinal use dating back to ancient times. The plant is named after Achilles, the legendary Greek hero who allegedly used it to treat his soldiers’ wounds.
Throughout history, milfoil has been used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, fever, and skin conditions.Despite its medicinal properties for humans, milfoil contains several toxic compounds, including glycoalkaloids (achillein), sesquiterpene lactones, and monoterpenes, which can be harmful to cats and other pets.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
