What should I do if my cat ate Lavender?

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. 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 should I do if my dog ate Lavender?

Take the plant away and rinse out the mouth with water. If essential oil contacted the skin or coat, bathe the affected area with a mild dish soap to limit absorption. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a veterinarian or poison control. Call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if your dog ate a large amount of the plant, swallowed any lavender essential oil, or shows persistent vomiting, weakness, or wobbliness.

Lavender — (c) Andrey Zharkikh, some rights reserved (CC BY) — Photo by (c) Andrey Zharkikh, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Andrey Zharkikh, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Lavender

Q: Is Lavender safe for cats?

Lavender is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat consumes a significant amount of the plant.

Q: Is Lavender safe for dogs?

Lavender is potentially toxic to dogs. Symptoms are generally related to stomach irritation. If your dog shows signs of distress or persistent vomiting, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender is a popular aromatic herb known for its fragrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage. While widely used in essential oils and culinary applications, it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Common LavenderEnglish LavenderLavandula angustifoliaLavandula officinalis

Light: Full sun
Habit: Shrubby perennial
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

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.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential drooling.

Escalation note

Symptoms are generally related to stomach irritation. If your dog shows signs of distress or persistent vomiting, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Basil is a pet-safer aromatic herb alternative for the kitchen window.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

African violet is a pet-safe flowering substitute for indoor purple-toned displays.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Lavandula angustifolia is a perennial herb valued for its fragrant flowers and essential oils.

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

Same safety verdict

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Monstera

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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Coreopsis

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Coreopsis is a popular genus of flowering plants in the aster family, widely grown for their cheerful, daisy-like blooms. They are generally considered safe for household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

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