Cats & Dogs
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.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Eucalyptus
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.
Blue gumEucalyptus globulusEucalyptus speciesGum tree
- Light
- Bright direct light
- Habit
- Tree or shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
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
Provides the accepted botanical nomenclature and taxonomic classification for the genus Eucalyptus.
Questions about Eucalyptus
Is eucalyptus toxic to cats?
Yes, eucalyptus is toxic to cats. The ASPCA classifies it as potentially toxic, and exposure — whether from chewing leaves, contact with essential oil, or diffuser mist — can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating eucalyptus?
The ASPCA lists salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression as the primary symptoms. Pet Poison Helpline adds drooling, lethargy, and anorexia, plus respiratory, dermal, and mucous-membrane irritation. With concentrated eucalyptus oil, more serious signs like tremors, seizures, or decreased urination can indicate kidney injury.
What should I do if my cat was exposed to eucalyptus oil?
If the oil is on your cat's skin or fur, wash it off immediately with liquid dishwashing detergent. Do NOT induce vomiting and do NOT give activated charcoal at home — both can worsen your cat's condition. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away, and bring the product packaging to the clinic.
How quickly do eucalyptus poisoning symptoms appear in cats?
Pet Poison Helpline notes that signs from essential-oil exposure typically develop within 6–8 hours. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) at the first sign of drooling or vomiting — don't wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help.
Is eucalyptus toxic to dogs?
Yes, eucalyptus is toxic to dogs. The plant's essential oils and foliage can irritate the digestive tract, causing excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Concentrated eucalyptus oil products pose a higher risk than incidental contact with plant material.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating eucalyptus?
The ASPCA lists salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression as the primary signs. With higher-dose exposure — particularly from concentrated oils — Pet Poison Helpline reports tremors, seizures, staggering, weakness, refusal to eat, and rare acute kidney injury. Signs typically develop within 6–8 hours of exposure.
What should I do if my dog ate eucalyptus or got eucalyptus oil on its fur?
Do NOT induce vomiting and do NOT give activated charcoal — both can make the situation worse. If oil is on the skin or fur, wash it off promptly with liquid dishwashing detergent. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline, and bring the product container with you to the vet clinic.
Is eucalyptus essential oil more dangerous to dogs than the plant itself?
Yes — concentrated eucalyptus oil (diffuser blends, topical products, oil reservoirs) carries a higher risk than chewing a leaf or branch, because the toxic compounds are far more concentrated. Pet Poison Helpline specifically flags ingesting concentrated oil or drinking from an oil reservoir as scenarios that warrant an immediate call to poison control.
Same safety verdict
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