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 Lavender safe for cats?
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.
Common LavenderEnglish LavenderLavandula angustifoliaLavandula officinalis
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Shrubby perennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
Questions about Lavender
Is lavender toxic to cats?
Yes, lavender is considered potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset, and concentrated lavender essential oil poses a higher risk than the plant itself.
What symptoms does lavender cause in cats?
After chewing lavender, cats most commonly show nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Exposure to concentrated lavender essential oil can additionally cause drooling, tremors, wobbliness (ataxia), and respiratory irritation.
What should I do if my cat ate lavender?
Move your cat away from the plant and wipe any plant material from their mouth. If lavender essential oil got on their fur or skin, wash it off with mild dish soap to prevent further absorption. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435).
How long does lavender toxicity last in cats?
GI signs from chewing the plant typically appear within a few hours and resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care. Essential-oil exposure can cause symptoms that take 3–7 days to fully resolve, so call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if your cat was exposed to oil, potpourri, or has eaten more than a leaf or two.
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