Is Yarrow Toxic to Cats?

Cats are curious creatures, known for their love of exploring and nibbling on plants. Unfortunately, some plants can be toxic to cats and may cause serious health issues. Yarrow is one such plant that has raised concerns among cat owners. In this article, we will explore whether yarrow is toxic to cats.

What is Yarrow?

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial herb that is commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Yarrow has feathery leaves and produces small flowers that can be white, pink, or yellow. It is also known by other common names such as milfoil, nosebleed plant, and soldier's woundwort.

Yarrow and Cats

There is limited information available on the toxicity of yarrow specifically to cats. However, yarrow contains various chemical compounds that may cause digestive and nervous system issues in cats if ingested in large amounts.

Chemical Compounds in Yarrow

Yarrow contains several chemical compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids that may have toxic effects on cats. Flavonoids are plant pigments that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some flavonoids found in yarrow, such as apigenin and luteolin, have been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects in animals. However, some flavonoids may cause digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea if ingested in large amounts.

Terpenoids are a class of organic compounds that are commonly found in plants and have a variety of biological activities. Yarrow contains several terpenoids such as chamazulene and alpha-pinene. Chamazulene has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while alpha-pinene has shown to have antispasmodic (muscle relaxing) effects in animals. However, terpenoids may cause central nervous system depression if ingested in large amounts.

Alkaloids are compounds that contain nitrogen and are commonly found in plants. Yarrow contains several alkaloids such as achilleine and moschatine. Achilleine has shown to have anxiolytic effects in animals and is used for medicinal purposes. However, alkaloids may be toxic if ingested in large amounts and may cause digestive and nervous system issues.

Potential Side Effects of Yarrow on Cats

As mentioned earlier, there is limited research available on the toxicity of yarrow specifically to cats. However, based on the chemical compounds present in yarrow, the following are potential side effects that may affect cats if they ingest yarrow in large amounts:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Central nervous system depression
• Difficulty breathing

Preventing Yarrow Toxicity in Cats

As a rule of thumb, it is best to prevent cats from ingesting any plants that are not proven to be safe for them. Yarrow can be beneficial for human health when used appropriately, but its effects on cats are not well-researched. If you have yarrow in your garden or home, make sure to keep it out of reach of your cat. If you suspect that your cat has ingested yarrow or any other plant, seek veterinary care immediately.

Conclusion

Yarrow contains several chemical compounds that may have toxic effects on cats if ingested in large amounts. However, there is limited research available on the specific toxicity of yarrow to cats. To prevent any potential health risks, it is best to keep yarrow and other plants that have not been proven safe for cats out of their reach.

References:

• BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. (2019). Yarrow: achillea. Retrieved from https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/yarrow-achillea/
• Cappello, A. R., Dolber, K. M., & Lefebvre, S. L. (2019). Toxicology and Poisoning in Cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 49(1), 147-171.
• Chen, J., Wei, Z., Wang, Y., Zhang, X., Li, J., & Li, Y. (2017). A Review of Dietary Ziziphus jujuba Fruit (Jujube): Developing Health Food Supplements for Brain Protection. Evidence-based Complementary & Alternative Medicine (eCAM), 2017, 3019568.
• Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Overview of Poisoning in Small Animals. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/poisoning-in-small-animals/overview-of-poisoning-in-small-animals