Is Lavender Toxic to Cats? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, lavender is mildly toxic to cats

The ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to cats and dogs because it contains linalool and linalyl acetate. A nibble of the plant usually causes no more than mild stomach upset. The bigger risk is concentrated lavender essential oil, especially for cats.

Lavender and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Lavandula angustifolia
Also called	English lavender, common lavender
Toxic compound	Essential oils (e.g. linalool, menthol, eucalyptol)
Toxic parts	Flowers and leaves; lavender essential oil is far more concentrated
Signs usually start	Within hours; faster with concentrated oils
Plant type	Herb

What cat owners should know

Cats lack some of the liver enzymes needed to break down compounds in essential oils, so lavender oil on the skin, in a diffuser in a small room, or licked from a surface is riskier than the plant. Do not apply lavender oil to cats.

Symptoms of lavender poisoning in cats

Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Constipation (dried lavender)
With essential oil: drooling, wobbliness, breathing irritation

Why lavender is toxic to cats

The plant contains aromatic essential oils. Eating a little of the fresh plant usually causes only stomach upset. Concentrated essential oils are far more potent and are absorbed through the skin and lungs as well as the gut. Cats are especially vulnerable because they lack some of the liver enzymes (glucuronyl transferases) needed to clear these compounds.

What to do if your cat ate lavender

Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
Watch for nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

For the plant, supportive care is usually enough. For essential oil exposure, wash oil off the skin with dish soap, do not induce vomiting (oils can be inhaled into the lungs), and call your vet or poison control.

How to keep your cat away from lavender

Place lavender on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.

Pet-safe alternatives to lavender

If you love growing herbs, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Lavender and cats: FAQ

Is lavender poisonous to cats?

Lavender is mildly toxic to cats. Essential oils (e.g. linalool, menthol, eucalyptol) can cause nausea and vomiting and loss of appetite, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of lavender is toxic to cats?

Flowers and leaves; lavender essential oil is far more concentrated.

Can cats die from eating lavender?

It is very unlikely. Lavender usually causes mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

How long after eating lavender will my cat show symptoms?

Within hours; faster with concentrated oils.

Is lavender toxic to dogs too?

Yes, lavender is mildly toxic to dogs.

Is a lavender diffuser safe for pets?

It is a risk, especially for cats. If you diffuse oils, use them briefly in a well-ventilated room the pet can leave, and stop if you see drooling, coughing or wobbliness.

Other plants toxic to cats

Using essential oils at home? Read are essential oils safe for cats?

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Is Lavender Toxic to Cats?