What should I do if my cat ate Eucalyptus?

If eucalyptus oil is on the skin or fur, Pet Poison Helpline says to wash it off quickly using liquid dishwashing detergent. Do NOT induce vomiting and do NOT give activated charcoal at home — both can worsen the cat's condition. Bring the product packaging with you to the clinic. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) at the first sign of drooling or vomiting after eucalyptus contact, or immediately if your cat licked, walked through, or was exposed to a diffuser/topical containing eucalyptus oil.

What should I do if my dog ate Eucalyptus?

Per Pet Poison Helpline: if oil is on the skin or fur, wash it off promptly with liquid dishwashing detergent. Do NOT induce vomiting and do NOT give activated charcoal — both can make a dog worse. Bring the product container with you to the clinic. Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline if your dog ate concentrated eucalyptus oil, drank from an oil reservoir, or shows persistent vomiting, drooling, weakness, or tremors.

Eucalyptus — (c) Terra Occ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Terra Occ — Photo by (c) Terra Occ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Terra OcciNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Terra Occ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Terra OcciNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Eucalyptus

Q: Is Eucalyptus safe for cats?

Eucalyptus is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Q: Is Eucalyptus safe for dogs?

Eucalyptus is potentially toxic to dogs. The essential oils and plant material can cause irritation to the digestive tract. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Eucalyptus species

Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of evergreen trees and shrubs known for their aromatic, oil-rich foliage. While popular in floral arrangements and essential oils, the plant contains compounds that can be harmful if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Blue gumEucalyptus globulusEucalyptus speciesGum tree

Light: Bright direct light
Habit: Tree or shrub
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Escalation note

The essential oils and plant material can cause irritation to the digestive tract. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Basil is a pet-safer fragrant indoor herb without eucalyptus's essential-oil toxicity.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Lady palm covers the same upright airy presence without eucalyptus's essential oils.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Eucalyptus is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs, causing symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Provides the accepted botanical nomenclature and taxonomic classification for the genus Eucalyptus.

cats safety page My cat ate Eucalyptus dogs safety page My dog ate Eucalyptus

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Cherry

Prunus spp.

Cherry trees and shrubs contain cyanogenic glycosides in their stems, leaves, and pits, which can release cyanide when ingested. These plants are considered toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

Bitter Orange

Citrus aurantium

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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

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Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Grapefruit

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Grapefruit is a citrus tree known for its large, tart fruit and glossy, aromatic foliage. While popular in home orchards, all parts of the plant contain essential oils and psoralens that can cause adverse reactions in pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Sweet Orange

Citrus sinensis

The sweet orange is a popular citrus tree known for its fragrant blossoms and edible fruit. While the fruit is a common food item, the essential oils and plant parts contain compounds that can cause irritation to pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.