Is Lavender toxic to cats?
Lavender is mildly toxic to cats (S1 Caution): its linalool and linalyl acetate can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, but serious poisoning from the plant is not reported by the ASPCA.
- TOXINlinalool, linalyl acetate
- WHAT TO EXPECTnausea; vomiting; inappetence (loss of appetite)
- CALL THE VETCall your vet if vomiting persists or worsens or your cat refuses food or water.
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| nausea |
| vomiting |
| inappetence (loss of appetite) |
If your cat just ate it
Care at a glance
FAQ
Can cats eat lavender plants?
They shouldn't, but a nibble is rarely serious. The lavender plant is mildly toxic (S1): its linalool and linalyl acetate can cause what the ASPCA lists as "nausea, vomiting, inappetence." Remove chewed sprigs, and call your vet if vomiting persists or worsens or your cat stops eating.
Is lavender essential oil safe for cats?
Treat the oil as a different question from the plant — and one our sources don't answer. Our lavender grade covers the plant: the ASPCA lists linalool and linalyl acetate as the toxic principles and records "nausea, vomiting, inappetence" in cats. Neither of our primary sources carries a record for concentrated lavender essential oil in cats, so we don't grade it. Practically: keep oil off your cat's fur and skin, run diffusers only in rooms your cat can leave, and call your vet if you see drooling, wobbliness, or labored breathing after any oil exposure.