Are Daisies Poisonous for Cats? What Every Cat Owner Should Know
If you share your home with a curious cat, you know how much they love to nibble on plants or bat at flower petals. But when it comes to daisies, not all varieties are safe for your feline friend. Understanding which daisies pose a risk and what symptoms to watch for can help keep your pet healthy.
Which Daisies Are Toxic?
The term "daisy" covers several plant species, but the most common culprit is the Chrysanthemum genus. These include many popular garden and bouquet flowers. The trouble lies in their chemical makeup: pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones are present throughout the plant—in leaves, stems, petals, and even pollen.
- Chrysanthemum daisies: Toxic to cats.
- Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum): Mildly toxic; sap may cause skin irritation or upset stomach.
- Gerbera daisies: Generally non-toxic.
- Blue daisies (Felicia amelloides): Generally non-toxic.
If you're not sure which variety you have, it's safest to assume toxicity and keep the plant away from your pets.
Toxic Compounds in Daisies
The main concern with toxic daisies is their chemical defense system. Pyrethrins are natural insecticides that can disrupt nerve function in cats, while sesquiterpene lactones can irritate tissues and cause gastrointestinal distress. Even small amounts may trigger symptoms—especially if your cat has underlying health problems.
Symptoms of Daisy Poisoning in Cats
Cats react differently depending on how much they've eaten or touched. Common signs include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Lethargy or loss of coordination (trouble walking)
- Drooling or excessive salivation
- Tremors or shaking
- Loss of appetite
- Skin irritation or dermatitis (from contact with pollen or sap)
In rare cases, more severe effects like seizures, convulsions, internal bleeding (red streaks or blackened feces), or agitation may occur. Oral discomfort often follows direct contact with daisy pollen.
If Your Cat Eats a Daisy: What To Do
- Stay calm—most cases resolve with prompt care.
- Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately for advice tailored to your cat's situation.
Treatment usually involves:
- Fluid therapy for dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea
- Medications to protect the stomach lining
- Symptomatic care based on severity (monitoring, anti-nausea meds)
Cats with pre-existing conditions may need closer monitoring during recovery. Most healthy cats bounce back within about a week if treated quickly.
Mildly Toxic Daisies: Shasta Varieties
The popular Shasta daisy isn't as dangerous as Chrysanthemums but still contains sap that can upset a cat's stomach or irritate their skin. Symptoms mirror those from other daisy exposures: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, shaking, and sometimes agitation after eating flowers or touching pollen.
Prevention: Keeping Cats Safe Around Daisies
- Avoid bringing bouquets containing Chrysanthemums into homes with cats.
- If you must have cut flowers indoors, display them out of reach and clean up fallen petals promptly.
- Fence off outdoor daisy beds so cats can't access them—or choose alternative landscaping plants that are safe for pets.
If you're determined to enjoy flowers without worry, consider swapping out toxic daisies for pet-friendly choices instead.
Cat-Safe Alternatives to Daisies
- African violets
- Bromeliads
- Boston ferns
