Lavender is a well-loved plant. People enjoy it for its nice smell and how it helps them feel calm and relaxed. But if you have a cat at home, you might wonder; is lavender safe for cats?
Sadly, the answer is no. Lavender is not safe or helpful for cats. While it usually doesn’t cause something serious or life-threatening, it can still make your cat feel pretty sick. In some cases, your cat might even need to see the vet.
That’s why knowing the facts about lavender and how to keep your cat safe is important. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know.
Is Lavender Safe for Cats?
The short answer is no; lavender is not safe for cats. According to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, lavender is toxic to cats.
This is because lavender contains two chemicals: linalool and linalyl acetate. These can bother your cat’s skin, eyes, nose, mouth, and stomach. Even worse, these chemicals go through the liver when processed, and that can sometimes lead to liver damage in cats.
Cats can come into contact with lavender in different ways. They might:
- Eat the plant (fresh or dried),
- Breathe in or lick lavender essential oil,
- Or touch something that has lavender in it.
Lavender usually doesn’t cause anything super serious or deadly. But it can still make your cat feel pretty sick. The effects are usually mild to moderate, but your cat might still need some help from the vet.
So, what makes lavender dangerous and useful at the same time? Linalool and linalyl acetate are the things that give lavender its nice smell. These also help the plant keep away bugs. That’s why lavender is sometimes used in insect repellents. For people, lavender is mostly used in perfumes, calming products, or health supplements. But for cats, it is not safe.
There are about 40 types of lavender, and they all have similar chemicals and the same risks. These plants are part of the Lavandula family. The most common ones are English lavender and French lavender.
Lavender can be grown outside gardens, kept in pots, dried, used in products, or made into oil. But no matter the form, lavender should not be kept around your cat.
You can read here; Is rosemary safe for cats.
Signs of Lavender Poisoning in Cats
Lavender can affect each cat differently. Some cats are more sensitive than others. But even a small amount, like eating part of the plant or licking lavender oil, can lead to stomach problems or even liver trouble. It can also cause redness, irritation, or pain if it touches your cat’s skin or eyes.
If your cat has been around lavender, watch for these signs:
- Acting tired or sleepy (lethargy)
- Drooling or looking like they feel sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Not wanting to eat (loss of appetite)
- Red or irritated skin
- Sneezing or wheezing
- Watery eyes or thick eye discharge
You should call your vet immediately if you see any of these symptoms. Your cat might need help to feel better.
What To Do If Your Cat Eats Lavender
If you think your cat has eaten lavender, call your vet immediately. Don’t wait. Even though it’s not usually an emergency, your cat could still feel uncomfortable and need help.
Try to remember when it happened and how much your cat ate, if you can. That info will help the vet know what to do next.
Your vet might ask you to bring your cat in for a checkup. Whatever you do, don’t try to make your cat throw up at home. That can be hard to do, and even worse, it could be dangerous for your cat.
It’s always better to let the professionals handle it. Your cat will feel better faster with the right care.
How to Keep Your Cat Safe from Lavender: Is Lavender Safe for Cats?
If you have a cat at home, keeping them safe from lavender is important. Here are some simple ways to protect your furry friend:
- Keep lavender oil, plants, and candles far away from your cat.
- Don’t use essential oils in places where your cat likes to hang out.
- Watch closely for any signs of lavender poisoning, especially if your cat has been near anything with lavender.
- If you notice anything strange, call your vet right away.
- Never try home remedies alone; your cat needs the right care from a professional.
If you enjoy growing lavender, that’s okay. Just ensure it’s in a spot your cat can’t reach or get into.
Even if a product says it’s “lavender safe for cats,” be careful. Sometimes labels can be misleading. It’s not worth taking the risk. Lavender poisoning can be serious, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Cat-Safe Alternatives to Lavender
Many people love the smell of lavender to make their homes smell nice. But when you have a cat, it’s better to keep things fresh by cleaning and letting in fresh air, instead of using strong scents. Cats have super sensitive noses, and many smells we like can bother them.
A safer way to deal with pet odors is to use a pet-safe cleaner like Angry Orange. You can also use an air purifier to keep your home smelling clean without adding anything that might bother your cat.
There are better and safer options than lavender. The best way to keep your cat relaxed is to create a fun, low-stress space for them at home. This is called environmental enrichment.
Cats love things like:
- Scratching posts
- Tall shelves or perches to climb on
- Toys and playtime
- Space to run and explore
When cats have fun things to do, they’re happier and less stressed—no special scents needed.
Some other safe, calming tools for cats include:
- Pheromone products, like Feliway. These come in sprays, diffusers, or collars and can help cats feel more relaxed.
- Cat-safe calming supplements. These have ingredients like L-theanine and thiamine, and they can help with stress. Just make sure to use them under your vet’s guidance.
- Some cats love catnip and feel happy and relaxed after smelling or playing with it. Sometimes, they’ll even take a cozy nap afterward.
If your cat seems stressed or anxious, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet. Some cats may need special medicine and help from a certified animal behavior expert. Your vet can guide you to the safest and best treatment plan.
Conclusion:
Lavender might smell nice to us, but it’s unsafe for cats. It can make them feel sick, so it’s best to keep it away from your furry friend. If you want your cat to feel calm and happy, use safer options like toys, catnip, and pet-safe products. And if your cat ever seems unwell, always call your vet.