Garden
Is Lavender toxic to cats and dogs?
Lavandula angustifolia · also called English lavender
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicLavender contains linalool, which in large amounts can cause nausea. A sniff or a nibble of the plant is unlikely to matter; concentrated essential oil is a bigger risk, especially for cats.
By Maya Hart
If your pet chewed it
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink.
- Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
- Never apply essential oils to cats.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
What is harmful
- Parts
- Flowers, leaves and especially essential oil
- Substance
- Linalool and linalyl acetate
Pet-safe alternatives
-
CatnipMildly toxic
- Rosemary
- BasilNon-toxic
Questions owners ask
Is Lavender toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: flowers, leaves and especially essential oil.
Is Lavender toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: flowers, leaves and especially essential oil.
What happens if a pet eats lavender?
vomiting, loss of appetite.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink. Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues. Never apply essential oils to cats.
What are pet-safe alternatives to lavender?
Catnip, Rosemary, Basil.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
