Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Lavender - what should I do?
Lavandula angustifolia
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, decreased appetite, and potential lethargy.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat consumes a significant amount of the plant.
First aid at home
Move the cat away from the plant and gently wipe out any plant matter from the mouth. If essential oil got on the fur or skin, wash it off with a mild dish soap to prevent further absorption. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian or poison control.
What to watch for
Most common signs after chewing the plant: nausea, vomiting, and inappetence. Watch for drooling, lethargy, or refusal of food in the hours after exposure. Concentrated lavender essential oil can additionally cause tremors, wobbliness (ataxia), and respiratory irritation in cats.
Time window
GI signs from chewing the plant typically appear within a few hours and resolve in 24–48 hours with supportive care. Essential-oil exposure can cause signs that take 3–7 days to fully resolve.
When to call the vet
Call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if your cat has chewed more than a leaf or two, has been exposed to lavender essential oil or potpourri, or shows persistent vomiting, drooling, lethargy, tremors, or stops eating.
What this means for your cat
Cats: lavender is listed by ASPCA as toxic, with linalool and linalyl acetate as the toxic principles. Cats are particularly sensitive because they lack the liver enzymes needed to efficiently clear these compounds, so concentrated exposures (essential oil, dried potpourri) deserve more concern than a brushed-off leaf.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.