Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
cat safety reference
Is Lemon Grass safe for cats?
Cymbopogon citratus
Lemon grass is a tropical perennial grass widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes, known for its distinct citrus scent. It contains essential oils that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Citronella GrassCymbopogon citratusLemon Grass
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Clumping grass
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats: ASPCA lists lemon grass as toxic to cats, with essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides as the toxic principles. Cats are especially vulnerable because they lack the liver enzymes needed to clear citrus-type essential oils efficiently — concentrated lemongrass oil is far more dangerous than chewing on a blade in the garden.
What to watch for
Most common after chewing the plant is stomach upset: vomiting, occasional diarrhea, and inappetence. Concentrated lemongrass essential oil exposure can additionally cause drooling, lethargy, anorexia, and respiratory or skin irritation. Large amounts of fibrous leaves can also cause GI obstruction in cats.
Time window
GI signs from chewing the plant typically appear within a few hours and resolve in 24 hours with supportive care. Essential-oil exposure can 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 was exposed to lemongrass essential oil, vomits more than once or twice, refuses food for more than a day, or shows lethargy, breathing changes, or signs of obstruction.
First aid at home
Move the cat away from the plant and gently wipe out any plant matter from the mouth. If essential oil contacted the fur or skin, wash with a mild dish soap to prevent further absorption through grooming. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian or poison control.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and potential irritation of the mouth or throat.
Escalation note
Ingestion can cause physical irritation due to the sharp, fibrous nature of the leaves and chemical irritation from essential oils. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has ingested this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
Questions about Lemon Grass
Is lemon grass toxic to cats?
Yes, lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is considered potentially toxic to cats. The fibrous leaves can physically irritate the mouth and GI tract, and the plant's essential oils can cause chemical irritation if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating lemon grass?
The most common signs are gastrointestinal upset — vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite — which typically appear within a few hours of chewing the plant and resolve within 24 hours with supportive care. If your cat was exposed to concentrated lemongrass essential oil rather than the raw plant, you may also see drooling, lethargy, and respiratory or skin irritation, which can take 3–7 days to fully resolve. Large amounts of the fibrous leaves can cause GI obstruction.
What should I do if my cat ate lemon grass?
Move your cat away from the plant and gently wipe any plant material from her mouth. If essential oil got on her fur or skin, wash the area with a mild dish soap to stop further absorption through grooming. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a vet. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if she vomits more than once or twice, refuses food for more than a day, or shows lethargy, breathing changes, or signs of obstruction.
Is lemongrass essential oil more dangerous to cats than the plant itself?
Yes — concentrated lemongrass essential oil poses a greater risk than the raw plant. Essential oils are rapidly absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, and exposure can cause drooling, lethargy, anorexia, and respiratory or skin irritation that may persist for 3–7 days. If your cat walked through spilled oil or you applied a lemongrass product to her coat, wash it off immediately with mild dish soap and contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435).
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